Police Sgt. Nelson Sotelotold theAssociated Presson Monday that the 1½-year-old girl’s family, of Granger, Indiana, are “in shock” following Sunday’s tragic incident.
Though the toddler has yet to be identified, the South Bend Police Departmentannounced in a statementon Facebook that her father was one of their officers, Alan Wiegand.
“The South Bend Police Department offers its sincerest condolences to Officer Alan Wiegand and his family during this difficult time following the tragic loss of their child while in Puerto Rico,” the SBPD wrote on Monday. “The department asks the community to pray for the entire Wiegand family as they grieve and to respect their privacy.”
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The toddler was on a family trip with her parents, two siblings and both sets of grandparents, according to theAssociated Press.
According to theAssociated Press, South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski disputed earlier claims that the girl was being held out of a window in an interview with WSBT television.
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Secretary of Public Security, Elmer Roman, had previously toldPrimera Horathat the little girl reportedly hit an awning as she fell and eventually landed on the pavement on the Pan American dock in San Juan.
“It’s a very grave scene, very regrettable and tragic,” Roman told the outlet, according toCBS News. “One of the grandfathers, whom it would appear was playing with the little girl, lifted her out of the open window and lost his grip.”
Witnesses toldTelemundo PRthey heard the anguished cries of her family and that her mother’s cry did “not compare to any other scream.”
The girl’s family will reportedly remain in U.S. territory until the investigation is complete, Sgt. Sotelo told theAssociated Presson Monday. He also noted that authorities have not yet been able to interview any relatives.
According toSeascanner, the ship was leaving on Sunday for a seven-day cruise to islands like St. Lucia and Barbados. It is currently in St. Maarten and scheduled to return to San Juan on July 14.
source: people.com
