Two Children Die In Canal

Three And Four Year Old Brothers Dead In Canal Drowning

LABELLE, FL. -- On Sunday, May 17, 2015, at approximately 2:30 pm Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that two small children were missing in the area of DUDA Labor Camp on South State Road 29, south of LaBelle.

When Deputies arrived on scene they were informed, through a translator, that the three year old boy, later identified as Alex Matias Martinez, had been located by his father, Adrian Matias, in a canal near their home. Emergency personnel on scene had placed the young child inside the ambulance where paramedics performed CPR in an effort to resuscitate him.

A short time later, additional personnel arrived on scene and later located the four year old, identified as Noel Matias Martinez, in the canal. First Responders on scene pronounced both boys deceased.

Both parents thought the children were with the other parent. At the time they were noticed missing, the parents attempted to locate them for about one hour before law enforcement was called.

“This is a tragic situation,” said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden. “We know how incredibly painful this is for the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they come to terms with their loss”.