Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford announced the results of an autopsy conducted on the 2 year old child who died after going missing yesterday. She said: “Today, an autopsy of the 2 year old victim was conducted by Dr. Ian Hood. Dr. Hood concluded that the child died as a result of accidental drowning. At this point in time, there is no indication of foul play or trauma. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will continue its investigation into the circumstances of this death in order to rule out any criminal action that contributed to the death of this young child.

“Dr. Hood positively identified the child as J.C., who was the subject of the search yesterday evening. J.C. was a 2 year old child who lived with her family on East Spruce Street in Lakewood, NJ. In keeping with the policy of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and consistent with protecting the identity of a child victim, the name will not be released by this office.

“At the conclusion of our investigation, and as is the policy of the Office of the Attorney General, we will share our conclusions with the Child Fatality Review Board, which independently evaluates the circumstances of an unattended child fatality.

“This is a continuing investigation, and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Thomas Tiernan of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, 732-929-2027.

“I would like to thank the many members of law enforcement, the volunteer and compensated emergency services, the State Police and members of the public for their speedy response to this emergency. I know we all mourn the loss of this innocent little girl.” TLS.