Nonverbal child dies after being found in Dundalk water

BALTIMORE -- A nonverbal 6-year-old boy died after he was found in water Friday morning in Dundalk, Baltimore County Police said.  

Marcel Traore was last seen in Dundalk early Friday morning around 5 a.m., police said. The child was reported missing and a search was launched around 7 a.m.

Crews, including about 25 divers, aviation, and K9 units, searched the waterfront Lynch Cove area, which includes multiple private slips for boats. Traore was found around 11:30 a.m. and rushed to an area hospital. 

"He was immediately turned over to our Advanced Life Support EMS crews, and they began resuscitative efforts, and that continued on his way down to Bayview Hospital," Baltimore County Fire spokesperson Travis Francis said. 

Marcel was pronounced dead at the hospital around 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon, BCFD announced. 

It was not immediately clear where in the area he was found, or how deep the water was.  

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, but police spokesperson Joy Stewart said police "have a reason to believe the child left the house around 5 a.m."

Police say Traore had wandered away from home in the past, and that they responded to calls for him leaving his home one week ago and Thursday night, just hours before they responded, again, early Friday morning.

Baltimore County Government released a statement stating, "This tragic event has undoubtedly shaken the Dundalk community. The loss of a young life is always deeply felt, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Marcel's family and friends during this difficult time. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety. We urge residents to exercise caution around water, especially with children."