Cape County toddler in pool accident dies Tuesday at St. Louis hospital

A toddler involved in an apparent swimming pool accident at a Jackson home over the weekend died early Tuesday afternoon in the hospital, according to Heidi Suppelsa, spokeswoman at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Jared Ryan Birk, 20 months, had been hospitalized since Sunday.

According to Cape Girardeau County Detective Jamie Malugen, the child's father, Dale Birk, discovered him in the swimming pool shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday at the home at 1136 County Road 341.

The child was rushed to the hospital but had already suffered severe oxygen deprivation, sources said.

According to Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton, the toddler was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. Tuesday, and the death will be subject to the child death review team as per state law.

McCombs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.