Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports yesterday, March 18, his deputies investigated the death of a toddler at a residence on Boston Mill Drive near Shedd.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a 911 call at 6:58 p.m., from Benjamin Gerig (25) stating his son, Marvin Gerig (2) was missing. The father had been outside doing yardwork with the child when he went missing.
Both deputies and the Halsey-Shedd Fire Department arrived and joined family and neighbors in searching for the child.
At 7:19 p.m., the child was located down a steep embankment along the driveway of the residence and was submerged in several inches of water. The Calapooia River runs through Gerig’s property near the driveway.
The deputy climbed down and pulled the toddler from the water. EMS personnel began life saving measures. Medics transported Marvin to Albany General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
This is believed to be an accidental drowning and our hearts go out to the Gerig family. Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by Halsey-Shedd Fire Department, and the Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office.