JASPER COUNTY — A Jasper County toddler's birthday party turned tragic when the child drowned in a residential swimming pool Saturday evening.
Payson Jo Midkiff would have turned two in August according to her father who also said her heart valve had been donated.
Midkiff's father said Payson adored her older brother, and chased him around doing everything he did. She loved Minnie Mouse and being a princess, feeding the horses and cows, and being outside.
The toddler was was found submerged in a pool at a home on County Road 593 just south of Kirbyville according to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
She was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital where she pronounced dead, according to the sheriff's office.
Jasper County Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Steve Conner has ordered an autopsy and child protective services and the sheriff's office are investigating, though officials do not expect any neglect charges to result from the incident.
Midkiff's father said a scholarship fund has been created in Payson's name at Education First Federal Credit Union.
He aso mentioned that those wishing to make donations in her memory could consider donating to Life Gift in her name.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more as soon as we receive confirmed information.
According to Shari Pullium with CPS, this is the 67th child drowning in Texas this year. She urges parents to checkout Help and Hope for advice on water safety.