Death of Camano boy, 8, likely accidental, detective says

Published 8:52 pm Friday, February 19, 2016

CAMANO ISLAND — The death of an 8-year-old Camano Island boy on Feb. 10 is believed to be an accident.

An investigation is ongoing by the Island County Sheriff’s Office. Early information indicates that the boy was playing “ninja” and wearing a robe sash on his head, detective Ed Wallace said.

Officials believe the sash got caught on a household fixture, and the boy could no longer breathe.

“All indications are it was an accidental death,” Wallace said.

An autopsy took place last week. The Island County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death undetermined. That means there wasn’t enough information to make a precise medical ruling.

The boy’s body was found just after 6 p.m. by a family member at their home on the south end of the island.

He was in the second-grade in the Stanwood-Camano School District. He also played Little League and community football. The district placed extra counselors on affected campuses to support students and staff.

“Those counselors will be with us as long as we need their help,” according to a letter sent to families last week.

The loss is deeply felt in the tight-knit community, according to another letter sent by the school district.

“We are shocked and saddened by this tragic death,” the letter says.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.