Waterford police release new details in death of 5-year-old boy

WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) - Waterford police have released new details Friday after a 5-year-old boy was found dead in his family's car on Thursday afternoon.

Police have confirmed that the family name of the victim was Bosselman but are withholding the child's identification due to his young age.

According to police, the mother of the victim was home when the child went missing. He was reportedly last seen in the home at around 12:30 p.m.

The mother was also the initial caller to the police department and had reported her son missing.

Upon arrival to the home, officers began an immediate search of the inside of the house, followed by the surrounding yard and driveway, before he was found inside a car.

Police say that officers then began CPR before medics arrived on scene to assist with resuscitation attempts. The child was unable to be revived.

"Devastated," said Cheryl Koltowich of Waterford. "I just couldn't comprehend that poor little boy."

An autopsy was performed by the state Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death. The incident remains under investigation.

"For young children it can be confusing as to how to get out of a vehicle. Once they're inside," said Kevin Borrup, the Associate Director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

He says even getting out of a restaurant restroom can be confusing for kids.

"Each year in the United States around 40 children die in hot cars and 30 percent of those are children who got into a car without their parent or caregiver knowing and couldn't get out," said Borrup.

The Department of Children and Families was also contacted regarding the incident.

Borrup says this tragedy serves as a reminder to check cars if a child goes missing and always lock your cars even if they're in your driveway.

"That way no child, your child, or a neighbor's child can get into your vehicle," said Borrup.

"It's just a sad thing," said Koltowich. "I'm just praying for the parents."

Anyone who may have seen an unattended child in the area of Maple Avenue between 12:30 p.m. and 2:28 p.m. on Thursday or anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Waterford police at (860) 442-9451.