Four-year-old dies of dry drowning

(KHOU) — A family, is preparing to bury their 4-year-old child, and wants to warn other parents of the medical condition that cost them their son.

Francisco Delgado Jr. said almost a week after a family trip to the Texas City Dike, he called 9-1-1 because his son Frankie stopped breathing. The child had shown symptoms that resembled a stomach bug for several days, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Doctors found fluid in Frankie’s lungs and around his heart, telling the Delgado family, Frankie died of what’s known as “dry drowning.”

Unlike deaths that happened in pools, lakes and at the beach, dry drowning can occur hours, even days, after a person inhales water. The uncommon condition mostly involves young children.

According to medical experts, symptoms of dry drowning include trouble breathing, persistent coughing, sleepiness and fatigue, and vomiting.

Frankie’s mother Tara Delgado said her son was “full of life” and “for four-years-old, he had a big heart.”

The family is in the process of finalizing funeral arrangements for the child. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with the unexpected expenses.