Kansas Child Tragedy.

A Five-Hour Overnight Search Ends in Tragedy

Dozens of first responders flooded the rural property after the missing child report came in Thursday night. The Mitchell County Dive Team, Mitchell County EMS, and the Mitchell County Rescue Squad all responded, along with agencies from surrounding counties, according to KSAL News. Teams used thermal imaging equipment and water gear to search the dark terrain.

Searchers combed the area for roughly five hours before finding Matthew unresponsive in a creek close to the family home. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the child did not survive. WBTV and other outlets confirmed the death was announced by the sheriff's office Friday morning.

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Family Remembers Matthew as 'Fearless and Joyful'

Matthew Joseph Gengler was described by his family as "fearless, curious, joyful, and so very loved," according to his obituary published by Roberts Family Funeral Service. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 10, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. A Matthew Gengler Scholarship Fund was established in his memory to support local education and emergency services.

Drowning Is the Top Killer of Toddlers in America

Matthew's death highlights a grim national reality. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, according to CDC data from 2026. Toddlers can wander and reach open water in minutes, even under close supervision.

Child safety experts note that rural properties carry extra risks. Open creeks, irrigation ditches, and standing water from spring storms often lack barriers. Dr. Rohit P. Shenoi, lead author of the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics drowning-prevention guidelines, noted that "toddlers can escape notice even under the best of circumstances," according to Contemporary Pediatrics. Research shows formal swim lessons can cut drowning risk for toddlers by up to 88%.

Investigation Ongoing as Community Calls for Water Safety Action

The Mitchell County Sheriff's Office said it is still investigating the circumstances of Matthew's disappearance. No charges have been filed. Such reviews are standard practice after unattended child deaths to piece together exactly what happened, according to Salina Post.

Public health groups are already pointing to the case as evidence of a gap in rural water safety. Safe Kids Kansas advocates for "four-sided fencing" standards around open water on residential properties. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently made $4 million in federal grants available for state and local drowning prevention programs, according to WMBF News.

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