BLACKWOOD, NJ — A family is mourning the loss of their 3-year-old boy after he drowned in a pool at their house on Saturday, an online fundraiser said.
Elijah was found by his dad, face down in the water and motionless, after the boy's twin sister showed up in the house wet from the pool.
"These images will forever be burned into my mind," his father, Michael, said on social media. "10 minutes can change your life. Don't ever take it for granted."
Eli, as the boy was also known, had no pulse and was taken to the hospital where they were able to get his heartbeat back.
The swelling of the brain was too much, and the family is now preparing to donate his organs to help others.
Along with his twin, Eli leaves behind his 6-year-old brother, Mickey.
"Eli was known for his gentle soul, huge smile, big blue eyes, and ultimate cuddles-he brought so much joy and warmth to everyone around him," his family added.
More than $46,000 has been raised as of Wednesday morning to support the family through the costs associated with the death and other specialized assistance, such as therapy, for the two children.
Patch has reached out to Gloucester Township officials for more on the drowning.
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