5-Year-Old Girl Dies After Getting Swept into Storm Drain While Playing with Brothers

A 5-year-old girl has died after being swept into a storm drain in Florida.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported that Zaria Miller was pulled into a storm drain by a strong current on Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Aug. 24, according to CBS affiliate WTSP and NBC affiliate WFLA.

The powerful current was caused by a water main break amid heavy rainfall, the sheriff’s office said.

“Zaria was playing outside with her brothers and tragically got sucked down a storm drain,” according to a GoFundMe started for her family.

Deputies said she was carried approximately 100 yards by the rushing water, The Tampa Bay Times reported. Her body was later recovered in a wooded retention area across the street from Sarasota Christian Academy.

At first, Zaria was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, according to ABC affiliate WWSB.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Miller died at the hospital on Thursday, Aug. 28. Her death was also announced on her family’s GoFundMe.

“It is with a broken heart I have to share that Zaria has received the ultimate healing, and is in the arms of Jesus,” said Kyle Weaver, a close friend of the Millers who organized the GoFundMe.

“The family is grateful for all the love and support shown over the past few days,” Weaver added.

As of the morning of Friday, Aug. 29, nearly $100,000 had been raised through the GoFundMe. The funds will help the family cover medical expenses, monthly bills, and other needs during this difficult time, Weaver said.