DA: Toddler Pool Deaths Ruled Accidental

Note: The following is an announcement from the office of Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett:

"The deaths of the Lynnfield twin toddlers, who drowned last summer in their family’s backyard in-ground swimming pool, have been ruled accidental by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett.

Veronica and Angelina Andreottola were 2 years, eight months old, when the July 17, 2010, tragedy occurred at their home.

The investigation determined that one of the girls managed to push a switch which opened the pool safety cover. 

Soon after the pool cover opened, first one girl, and then the other entered the pool.  A short time later the girls were pulled from the pool. 

A neighbor attempted a cycle of CPR on both girls, but they had no pulse and were unresponsive.  Emergency personnel quickly arrived and continued the life-saving efforts, and transported the girls to Lynn Union Hospital.  At 11:02 a.m. both girls were pronounced deceased.

“Criminal charges are not warranted in this matter.  This is tragedy in the truest sense of the word,” said District Attorney Blodgett.