North Mankato pool closed after 9-year-old boy drowns

A North Mankato swimming pool is closing temporarily after a 9-year-old boy drowned Saturday evening.

According to the North Mankato Police Department, emergency crews responded to a report of a boy being pulled from the water around 6:19 p.m. Saturday at Spring Lake Park Swim Facility. He was unresponsive in about 4.5 feet of water.

Lifeguards had begun CPR, and officers assisted until paramedics arrived and took the boy to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Authorities identified the drowning victim as Abdirahman Abdullahi of North Mankato. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy in the coming days.

In a statement, North Mankato City Administrator John Harrenstein said there were 18 trained lifeguards and six other staff members on hand when Abdullahi drowned. He said an estimated 600 people were in the pool, which has a capacity of 1,200 swimmers.

“We are devastated by this accident and send our thoughts and prayers to the young man’s family," Harrenstein said.

On Sunday, Spring Lake Park Swim Facility spokeswoman Katie Heintz said officials would be reviewing the pool’s safety procedures.

"Staff responded immediately and appropriately to the incident, using their training to render aid to the boy and ensure the safety of other guests," Heintz said in a statement. "However, out of an abundance of caution we want to complete a review of the incident before reopening the facility."

Any information regarding Spring Lake Park Swim Facility’s status can be found on the City of North Mankato’s website and social media channels.