Two children, ages 12 and 7, were confirmed dead Tuesday afternoon by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after drowning yesterday in Lake Como at North Lake Village.​

Tuesday afternoon, President Martin sent out an email to all FGCU students and staff, stating that a tragic event had happened on July 4.

“Yesterday we experienced a tragic event on campus as two children drowned in Lake Como (North Lake Village). Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, and we thank the first responders from several agencies for their heroic efforts.”

A Facebook post from the San Carlos Park Fire Protection & Rescue Service District (posted July 4 at 2:48 p.m.) stated that two victims, a boy and a girl, were transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center in critical condition.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed later today that both children have died after receiving treatment. The Sheriff’s Office has now launched a death investigation following the incident. However, they do not think that a crime is connected to the event.