Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in March 2023.
In a heart-wrenching incident, an Oklahoma City family is grappling with the devastating loss of their twin toddlers, a boy, and a girl, who tragically drowned in their family pool. The incident unfolded when their great-grandmother, battling Alzheimer’s, inadvertently left a back door open, leading to the heartbreaking accident.
Jenny Callazzo, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom and boutique owner, made the heart-wrenching discovery on a Thursday morning when she found her 18-month-old children, Locklyn and Loreli, unconscious at the bottom of the pool. Despite immediate efforts, the tots were pronounced dead two hours later, according to the Daily Mail.
Jenny resides in a $565,000 home with her grandmother, six children, and 42-year-old husband Sonny, a marketing executive. A relative shared with the Daily Mail that the great-grandmother’s oversight in leaving the back door open allowed the twins to slip out unnoticed, leading to the tragic incident.
Aerial footage of the residence depicted a pool with a greenish tint, covered in algae, underscoring the urgency of addressing potential hazards. While police are investigating the incident, they currently do not suspect any foul play in the heartbreaking deaths.
Days before the tragic accident, Jenny shared pictures of her twins playing outside their home, showcasing the innocence that would soon be shattered. Witnesses in the neighborhood recounted the heartbreaking scene of the twins’ distraught mother entering an EMS vehicle as paramedics fought valiantly to save her children.
To support the grieving family with unexpected expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated. The heartfelt plea emphasizes the community’s unity in providing assistance and comfort during this challenging time.
Laura Gamino, an injury prevention coordinator for trauma at OU Health, highlighted the dangers water poses to young children. Urging parents to remain vigilant, she emphasized that drowning can occur suddenly and silently, especially given toddlers’ lack of skills to extricate themselves from water. Gamino advocated for the installation of 4-foot-high fences around pools with secure gates to prevent access by young children.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of Locklyn and Loreli, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety. Increased awareness and preventative measures can help avert similar heartbreaks in the future. The devastating incident underscores the fragility of life and the crucial need for vigilance in safeguarding our loved ones.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community is urged to prioritize water safety education and take proactive steps to secure home pools, preventing such heartbreaking accidents. As parents, neighbors, and citizens, let us stand united to prevent further heartbreaks and ensure the safety of our precious children.
