Dad Recognizes Dry Drowning Symptoms In Son After Reading Texas Boy’s Story

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A Colorado Dad was able to recognize “dry drowning” symptoms in his son before it turned fatal, after he read about a Texas toddler’s recent death due to the rare condition.

Garon Vega said his 2-year-old son Gio went swimming last Wednesday and then complained about head pain shortly after. The boy had reportedly swallowed a small amount of water.

“Little boy started complaining about head pain, he would say, ‘mama head hurt, mama head hurt,‘” Vega told the news station.

The head pain developed into a fever which persisted throughout the day. Vega then started to search the internet about his son’s symptoms and came across Frankie Delgado’s story, the Texas toddler whose death is suspected to be caused by “dry drowning,” or secondary drowning. The condition occurs when fluid fills a person’s lungs. It’s more common amongst children and may occur with only a “few gasps” of water through the mouth or nostrils.

In Delgado’s case, the 4-year-old boy swallowed some water while he was on a swimming trip during Memorial Day weekend. He showed symptoms of a stomach bug, however, his family didn’t think much of it.

Almost a week later, Delgado suddenly woke up and died moments later.

Though an autopsy is still being conducted to determine the official cause of death, doctors and paramedics said that Delgado most likely died of dry drowning.

“When [the doctor] came in, she told us it’s what’s called ‘dry drowning.’ His lungs were full of fluid. There was nothing else they could do for him,” Tara Delgado, the mother said.

The Vegas took their son to the emergency room where doctors discovered a “significant amount of fluid in his lungs.” 

“If we had waited the night, he probably wouldn’t have made it,” Vega said.

Vega acclaims Delgado’s story for saving his son’s life and he is following Delgado’s family by telling his story to spread information about dry drowning.