7-Year-Old Child Dies in Drowning at Bruce Meisner Park

Hickory, N.C. – A tragic drowning at a local park has claimed the life of a young child, according to authorities.

On Wednesday (April 1, 2026) at approximately 6:52 p.m., multiple emergency agencies responded to a report of a drowning at Bruce Meisner Park. When first responders arrived, they located a seven-year-old boy who had been submerged in a body of water connected to the park.

The child was quickly recovered and transported to Frye Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Officials confirm that the child’s next of kin have been notified.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is currently investigating the incident. At this time, no additional details have been released.

Authorities say more information may be made available as the investigation continues.