Bosnian boy drowns on family outing

ST. LOUIS -- A 10-year-old boy who emigrated from Bosnia with his family two years ago drowned Sunday in the Meramec River.

Elmin Medyseljac was swimming with family and friends near Fenton, a southern suburb of St. Louis. Elmin and a friend apparently got caught in an undercurrent about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.

The friend made it to a dock, but Elmin went under. His body was recovered in about 12 feet of water.

Fehrija Babalija, a family friend, cried as she talked about encouraging the Medyseljacs to come to America.

Elmin's uncle, Mesud Kadic, translated: "Everything's good in America, a good life. Now she's sorry why she speak so.

"Five years, war in Bosnia -- he lived. No war, he's dead."