Harlan County coroner reports investigation into drowning death of 1-year-old

The night of Aug. 30 proved to be tragic for first responders, ambulance crew members, and the staff of Harlan County Appalachian Regional Hospital (ARH), all of whom did their best to save the toddler’s life, according to a Facebook post from Coroner John Derrick Noe on Sunday.

“Tragic events like this are hard on the most seasoned professional,” Coroner Noe wrote. He was dispatched that evening in response to their passing, and reportedly pronounced the death along with Deputy Coroner John Jones.

Noe said the Harlan County Coroner’s Office owed a debt of gratitude to all first responders and emergency personnel, as well as the staff of the Harlan ARH Emergency Department, who did all they could to save the child.

“Due to the sensitivity and it involving a child the Coroner’s office will not release any other information on the matter,” officials announced around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The investigation is ongoing by the Kentucky State Police and the coroner’s office.