The mood was somber and supportive Friday night at the home on The Old Road in Castaic.
It was where 4-year-old Travis Stratton went missing around 1:30 p.m.
After a frantic 2-hour search by deputies and neighbors, the boy who had been home with his grandparents, was found in a backyard swimming pool a few houses away.
A community held its breath as deputies hustled the unresponsive child to Henry Mayo hospital.
"Unfortunately he was pronounced dead just after four pm today,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Rubin.
Homicide detectives were in route to conduct a thorough investigation of this incident, but it appears to be a tragic accident.
A deputy described the scene in the ER.
"Just outside the trauma room in the ER were 15 or more deputies. Some soaking wet, just waiting for good news from the doctors. Some broke down and cried. Myself included."
Deputies did not say how the 4 year old gained access to the pool in a gated yard.
Neighbors were in shock.
"You do everything you can to protect your kids then something like this happens,” said Neal Schneider. “It's heartbreaking."
