On Sunday evening, Zaria was playing outside with her brothers when a horrifying accident occurred — she was tragically sucked down a storm drain.
Now comes a heartbreaking update from her parents.
Carried her away about 100 yards
On Sunday evening, Zaria Miller, 5, was playing outside with her brothers when a frightening accident occurred.
Deputies report that just after 6 p.m. on Bahia Vista Street, near Sarasota Christian School, Zaria and other children were playing near a culvert when the strong water flow pulled her into the drainage system.
She was carried about 100 yards by the fast-moving water before the fire department responded and pulled her to safety. Zaria was then taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Sarasota County Fire Department Assistant Chief Tim Dorsey described the rescue as far from routine. “It’s a low-frequency, high-risk event,” he told ABC7.
“There’s a tremendous amount of risk and danger.”
Remains under investigation
Faced with the situation, rescuers quickly mapped out a search area and located the child, Dorsey said. Rescuers “started resuscitative efforts and transported the child to a local hospital.”
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a detective from the Criminal Investigation Section has been assigned and that the case remains under investigation.
One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, told ABC News how quickly events unfolded. “All of the sudden I hear these noises, people talking and shouting,” she said. “I heard that one of the neighbors’ little girls was playing in the water and got swept down.”
Devastating update
The neighbor added that the community has come together around the family, hoping for the best. A friend of the family also set up a GoFundMe page to support them during this incredibly difficult time, as Zaria remained in critical condition at the hospital.
Tragically, on Thursday, the family shared heartbreaking news. After nearly a week in the hospital, they announced: “It is with a broken heart I have to share that Zaria has received the ultimate healing, and is in the arms of Jesus.”
The family expressed their gratitude for all the love and support they’ve received over the past few days.
This makes me so sad! I was really praying that she would make it. She’s resting in the arms of Jesus now. Prayers for her family.