Waukesha medical examiner rules boy's death a drowning

OCONOMOWOC (WITI) -- Eight-year-old boy Shane Needles died Thursday, July 19th, in the Oconomowoc River while on a field trip with a martial arts program. Police do not suspect foul play and the Waukesha County Medical Examiner officially ruled the death a drowning.

"We believe the boy, unfortunately, probably fell in or entered the river and drowned. He was located under the water," said Oconomowoc Police Chief David Beguhn.

Alicia Navine, a concern resident of Oconomowoc, heard the cries for help that afternoon.

"All of a sudden I heard a bunch of people screaming and sirens," Navine said.

The distress call came from Riverside Park, where police say a group of 12 children and two adults from Wisconsin's Taekwando Academy were spending the afternoon. Police say the children were not in the water at the time of the death.

A chaperon located the boy in the river, pulled him out and gave him CPR. Needles was taken to the hospital, but died as a result of the incident.

The Wisconsin Taekwando Academy said its thoughts and prayers are with the Needles family, who declined to comment.

Though it may be tempting to take a dip because of the recent heat, police stress the importance of water safety.

"Have someone with you at all times," Beguhn advised.