Xander Vento, 4-Year-Old Texas Boy, Dies After Saving Drowning Girl [Video]
![Xander Vento, 4-year-old Texas Boy, rescues 3-year-old Girl [Video]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Xander-Vento-4-year-old-Texas-Boy-rescues-3-year-old-Girl-Video.jpg "Xander Vento, 4-year-old Texas Boy, rescues 3-year-old Girl [Video]")
FORT WORTH, Texas — A 4-year-old boy who saved a 3-year-old girl from drowning at a pool in Forth Worth earlier this week has died after being removed from life support.
According to ABC News, Xander Vento was swimming at a neighborhood pool in North Fort Worth on Monday when he noticed a 3-year-old girl struggling to stay above the water in the deep end.
The heroic 4-year-old reportedly rushed to the younger girl’s aid and supported her above the water until she could get to safety, but he slipped under after he became exhausted.
After Xander was pulled from the water, rescuers did get a pulse from him, but he was unable to breathe on his own and slipped into a coma after being transported to a nearby children’s hospital.
The 3-year-old girl Xander saved is in fair condition, but the young hero was taken off life support Thursday.
KHOU reports that the girl’s mother was at the pool at the time of the accident, but few other details were released.
Xander’s parents, Cris and Misty Vento, released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“We have made the extremely difficult decision to remove our precious son Xander from life support. We send heartfelt thanks to all of you who kept our family in your thoughts and prayers. We’re appreciative of your love and support. We in some way hope our son’s life serves as an inspiration. He was the angel in the pool who sacrificed himself to save another. And now he continues to give as an organ donor. We were blessed to have such a kind and caring boy as Xander, who set an example for all of us and even now he will be saving lives by giving of himself.”
NBC reports that a fund has been established Xander Vento’s name to help the family with medical expenses. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so by visiting this link.
Tags : 4-year-old saves 3-year-old, Boy Saves Girl From Drowning, Child Drowning, Cris and Misty Vento, Cris Vento, Fort Worth Drowning, Misty Vento, Texas Boy Drowns, Xander Vento, Xander Vento death, Xander Vento dies, Xander Vento Fund, Xander Vento hero
Posted: August 10, 2012
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Aug 10, 2012
Aug 10, 2012
Oh what touchingly bittersweet story. Prayers of peace to both families.
Aug 10, 2012
Where was the lifeguard when this was happening? The mother was at the pool and not watching her kids very well or this would not have happened!
Aug 10, 2012
heroes come in all shapes colors sizes and now ages. What a beautiful young hero. His parents although grief stricken must be so proud of their son. Prayers.
Aug 10, 2012
wow hero at 4 years old he responded and acted faster than most adults would have…Speaking of adults where were they?
Aug 10, 2012
That story made me cry…wow.
Aug 10, 2012
My heart goes out to you and your famiy..What a brave little boy he was to have done some thing like to to help someone else in need.. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all of you…
Aug 10, 2012
What a kid; he responds and the parents don't? This happened to my brother and my dad saved him quick. You NEVER take your eyes off a little kid who is in water. What an amazing and caring young man.
Aug 10, 2012
Wow "(
Aug 10, 2012
OMG. I don't even know what to say. Only tears.
Aug 10, 2012
What a sad story, but I too have to ask where was the parent? Why would you even allow a three year old in the water much less the deep end of a pool. There should of been an adult next to the child. My thoughts and prayers go to both families.
Aug 10, 2012
It's so sad. But for a four yr old to give up his life to save another is a blessing. My god watch over this lil angel.
Aug 10, 2012
My prayer go out the the family, what an heroic act by the four yr old boy.. Sorry for there lost.
Aug 10, 2012
Oh man I didn't see a pic of him… That (don't know how) makes it worse for me when I see their little faces..
Aug 10, 2012
The little boy is a hero but where the hell were any of the afults if they had been paying attention this would not have happened
Aug 10, 2012
Such a hero, Xander! Without thought you saved another's life. Mr. & Mrs. Vento even though Xander was only 4 yo
Aug 10, 2012
Even though he was only 4 you raised him well. My heart goes out to you for the loss of such a sweetheart.
Prayers to all.
Aug 11, 2012
He is a remarkable kid, an incredible hero.
Aug 11, 2012
this is so typical of the world today, a 4 year old boy dies.. so unfair where were his parents? where was the parents of the 3 year old girl.. it is total crap that this young boy died. I am so angry every time I read something like this. he should not have died saving another child.
Aug 11, 2012
What the hell was a.3yr old in the deep end by herself?!
Aug 11, 2012
True and especially a 3 and 4 year old! Agree with Emma also where was the lifeguard? Tragic
Aug 11, 2012
Cynthia Jimenez his goodness showed in his face he was so adorable looking, i saw his picture on fb
2
Aug 11, 2012
Cynthia Jimenez his goodness showed in his face he was so adorable looking, i saw his picture on fb
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Aug 11, 2012
What a wonderful little boy. May God watch over his family during this awful time.
Aug 11, 2012
That was so brave of him. Yet so sad.Where was the parents? A 3yr old and 4yr old? Where were the adults?
Aug 11, 2012
That was so brave of him. Yet so sad.Where was the parents? A 3yr old and 4yr old? Where were the adults?
Aug 11, 2012
"No greater love"… RIP little hero <3.
Aug 11, 2012
Where were both sets of patents…
Aug 11, 2012
Wow such a brave little boy may he rest in peace…….wr were ne adults how culd they let a 3year old girl swim on her own in the deep end S.M.H
Aug 11, 2012
GOD BLESS YOUR BABY'S SOUL! HE IS ONE OF GOD'S LITTLE ANGELS NOW! MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE PARENTS AND OTHE FAMILY MEMBERS.
Aug 11, 2012
I am sorry sorry for his family. I would also like to know where the lifeguard was and his mother. I never took my eyes off my children while hey were young and in the pool. Even if they knew how to swim.
Aug 11, 2012
I am not going to put the blame on any parent, it was a unfortunate tragic accident. A heroic little angle of God save the life of a little friend.And then saved the life of many more with his organs. What a blessing. He went home to be with his heavenly father. R.I.P. XANDER
Aug 13, 2012
May His Soul Rest In Peace! My condolences and my prayers are with the family and friends.
Aug 13, 2012
I AM GLAD THAT THE LITTLE BOY SAVED THE GIRL AND I AM SORRY FOR THEIR LOSS BUT I THINK THE GIRLS PARENTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGTHT UP ON NEGLECT CHARGES
Aug 14, 2012
Poor little Guy. He's absolutely a hero!
Aug 14, 2012
It is strange that someone witnessed this little boy jump in to save a little girl yet did nothing to help either. Sorry, this story smacks of a feel good coverup. Other reports said the mom had gone to get a snack at the clubhouse. Weird how this thing took on a totally different path of diversion (only focus on the hero part and nothing really asking the questions that remain unanswered). While you may think I'm heartless for asking consider had this event happened while he was in daycare people (including his family) would demand some clarity and honesty about what really happened to this poor child.
Aug 14, 2012
Exactly… and if someone witnessed him jump in to explicitly save this other girl, why didn't they rescue them both? Seems like a load of coverup.
Aug 15, 2012
yes there are a lot of unanswered questions, every person that was in that pool is responsible for the death of that child.
Aug 22, 2012
Just would like to know where the parents were at while a 3 and 4 year old were in the pool……
Aug 23, 2012
There were RIGHT there and jumped in immediately to intervene. Drowning can happen in SECONDS and this was an absolute freak accident. It could happen to any of us. Don't believe everything you read, this story is missing the facts and details. How about you say something productive like offering a condolence instead of passing judgement?
Aug 23, 2012
There were RIGHT there and jumped in immediately to intervene. Drowning can happen in SECONDS and this was an absolute freak accident. It could happen to any of us. Don't believe everything you read, this story is missing the facts and details. How about you say something productive like offering a condolence instead of passing judgement?
Aug 23, 2012
You don't have all the facts. Don't believe everything you read, or read between the lines and come up with your own opinion.
Aug 23, 2012
You don't have all the facts. Don't believe everything you read, or read between the lines and come up with your own opinion.
Aug 23, 2012
The parents were RIGHT there, and did intervene. I hope to God nothing ever happens to you like this and you have the media leave out the facts. Accidents happen, it's not for us to judge.
Aug 23, 2012
The parents were RIGHT there, and did intervene. I hope to God nothing ever happens to you like this and you have the media leave out the facts. Accidents happen, it's not for us to judge.
Aug 23, 2012
No one can judge what happened. Accidents happen to parents everyday, and the media of course loves an excellent story to sell themselves without actually obtaining ALL of the facts. Commenting with judgements and rumours about where the parents were is disgusting. Haven't we all made mistakes? Don't we all have moments we wish we could have done differently? Do not believe everything you read, and only half of what you see. My deepest sympathies to all of the parties involved.
Aug 23, 2012
I am not coming up with my own opinion, Crystal. I am just asking really good questions. I know that I do not have all of the facts that's why I asked the questions that I asked.
Aug 23, 2012
OH STOP IT !!!! SERIOUSLY ITS AN ARTICLE ABOUT A LIL BOY WHO DIED I SAID NOTHING BAD ABOUT THE KID U JUST WANNA GO AND COMMENT ON EVERYONES STUFF AND PUSH UR OPINION AND U DONT KNOW FACTS EITHER SO LET PEOPLE SAY WHAT THEY WANT AND POST THEIR OWN OPINION
Aug 23, 2012
Actually I do know the facts. This article has hurt innocent people.
Aug 23, 2012
I can assure you that everyone was RIGHT there, the media is blowing it out of proportion. Your opinion is that the mother was not watching her child properly, how do you know? Were you there? You weren't. You are basing an opinion on a media story that isn't even accurate in it's details. That's what I'm trying to explain. All of these comments are so hurtful to those involved.
Aug 23, 2012
OK THEN WHAT HAPPENED??? WHERE YOU THERE?? DID YOU SEE IT WITH UR OWN EYES??
Aug 23, 2012
Wow! How sad. And what a selfless little boy. We cat judge these people. Drownings can happen in an instant.
Aug 23, 2012
Do u know what happened? No I was not there but if the mother or lifeguard was watching the children then this would not have happened. I do not care if u were there or not. I have had lots of kids at the swimming pool and I kept my eyes on the kids at ALL TIMES!!!!!!!! And this is not an opinion as u say. IT IS A FACT!!!!!!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
Do u know what happened? No I was not there but if the mother or lifeguard was watching the children then this would not have happened. I do not care if u were there or not. I have had lots of kids at the swimming pool and I kept my eyes on the kids at ALL TIMES!!!!!!!! And this is not an opinion as u say. IT IS A FACT!!!!!!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
Thank u Jmark!!!!!!! That is what I am trying to say. Crystal, If the parents were there then they did not do enough to help the child.
Aug 23, 2012
Thank u Jmark!!!!!!! That is what I am trying to say. Crystal, If the parents were there then they did not do enough to help the child.
Aug 23, 2012
Due the nature of the events and the parties involved I am not able to disclose details. It's unfortunate that until the facts can be accurately reported it has already done it's damage to peoples good reputations.
Aug 23, 2012
Nope, it's your opinion. Accidents happen everyday, things can happen right in front of you. Even when you are within arms reach. Had this happened to your family or friend or even yourself you might have a fraction of understanding. Too bad you are filled with hate and judgement. Bless your heart.
Aug 23, 2012
Drownings can happen so fast, even when parents are within arms reach. It's not for us to judge.
Aug 23, 2012
UMMM OK !!!!LOL ALL I SAID WAS WHERE WERE THEY I NEVER TALKED ILL OF THEM..I KNOW THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE PARENTS R GOOD OR BAD SO CALM DOWN..I WAS JUST SAYING THIS CHILD WAS A HERO AND I STAND BY THAT 100%
Aug 23, 2012
Crystal I do not care what u think.
Aug 23, 2012
I am merely just clearing up the misconception that the parents were not paying attention which is what the majority of you commenting seem to imply. You seem to be the one that needs to calm down using all caps. I don't know why you find what I am saying to be so humorous? When an accident like this happens and in the event of lawsuit anyone involved cannot speak to the media to clear the papers and give the true facts. Trust me if the whole story could be told accurately at this time it would, just asking people in general to consider this before posting comments that are slanderous to those involved.
Aug 23, 2012
God Bless you dear.
Aug 23, 2012
OK I ALWAYS TYPE LIKE THIS AND ITS FUNNY THAT I SAID NOTHING NEGATIVE I DID NOT FACT ANYTHING I ASKED A QUESTION, QUESTION THAT IS VALID..LIKE I SAID THE CHILD WAS A HERO HE DID SOMETHING SOME ADULTS I DIDNT SAY THE ONES THERE JUST IN GENERAL WOULDNT DO OR RESPOND SO FAST…I JUST ASKED WHERE THE ADULTS WERE BECAUSE A CHILD DIED SAVING ANOTHER CHILD…SO THAT MY STATMENT BASED ON OPINION SO LEAVE IT ALONE
Aug 23, 2012
Crystal, we r NOT JUDGING ANYONE!!!!!!!!! Why don't u just stop???
Aug 23, 2012
BY THE WAY WHERE WERE U??
Aug 23, 2012
Isn't saying "if the parents were there then they did not do enough to help the child." a judgement? Think about it Emma, you are casting judgement, anyone that says something like this is judging the situation. You can stop the conversation at any time. I am merely sticking up for the people who don't deserve such harsh criticism. This tragedy will haunt all of them for the rest of their lives, they don't need added comments from people who really have no clue about the actual events that unfolded.
Aug 23, 2012
I don't think I can say anything that you won't argue with. I stand by my statements. Bless your heart for understanding.
Aug 23, 2012
OMFG! Keep it up. No I am not judging anyone. U r the one that is trying to put words in my mouth that I did not even say. I AM NOT JUDGING THEM!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
I directly quoted you, that's all.
Aug 23, 2012
ok
Aug 23, 2012
we will agree to disagree
Aug 26, 2012
Crystal Quibell When u let a 3-year-old kid into a pool, u do not take ur eyes off her for even a frigging sec. As much as u argue that we do not know the full story and the media is blowing it up, it does not change that fact. What everyone is trying to say is that this can be avoided if the 'adults' were alittle more alert than the 4-year-old hero…No one is dis-ing the anyone…
Aug 27, 2012
This was a sad yet touching story but I was just thinking 'Where in the hell were the parents/adults at???????? How did this 4 year old boy have the time to get in the edge of the pool then struggle to rescue the 3 year old girl to the point were he is so wiped out he falls in and slowy drowns himself!!!!!!!!! Clear case of neglect if you ask me!
Sep 1, 2012
Children that can not swim should be within arms reach at ALL times and this would not have happened if the parents were in arms reach of the children. I feel sorry for the family's lose but it does not take away the fact that this could have been prevented if the children were in arms reach. i have five kids, three of which can not swim and they are keep in life jackets in the pool at ALL times and in arms reach. you cant take chances with you're kids . These comments are not opinions , they are good parenting tips! If the person responsible for the children that day feel bad from these comments so be it, they were responsible for the health and safety of them children that day and they failed them tragically. It is a sad story but even sadder knowing it could have completely been avoided!
Sep 1, 2012
It was initially reported the mom had gone to get a snack. There is a clubhouse. They have already collected over $80k in donations and lost a son. The story spin on heroics just falls short on the reality of events (with the detail supposably witnessed, who saw it and why didn't they step in and save him). I hope it was a good snack…
Sep 1, 2012
Emma Stedman It was initially reported the mom had gone to get a snack. There is a clubhouse. They have already collected over $80k in donations and lost a son. The story spin on heroics just falls short on the reality of events (with the detail supposably witnessed, who saw it and why didn't they step in and save him). I hope it was a good snack…
Sep 1, 2012
Reva Mallory It was initially reported the mom had gone to get a snack. There is a clubhouse. They have already collected over $80k in donations and lost a son. The story spin on heroics just falls short on the reality of events (with the detail supposably witnessed, who saw it? and why didn't they step in and save him?). It just doesn't add up despite the spin and subterfuge of Crystal everywhere anyone posts asking questions about the most basic thing (where was mom or dad?) or (who saw these heroics? why didn't they step in?). If you ask these things you're told how heartless you are…
Sep 1, 2012
Sounds like a coverup…
Sep 1, 2012
It was initially reported the mom had gone to get a snack. There is a clubhouse. They have already collected over $80k in donations and lost a son. The story spin on heroics just falls short on the reality of events (with the detail supposably witnessed and reported with ease, who saw these heroics/struggling? and why didn't they step in and save him??). No one wants to answer that…
Sep 1, 2012
Exactly… (and where is this witness to the heroics? with all the detail reported of him saving a struggling girl while struggling himself, why didn't they step in?)
Sep 1, 2012
I have five kids, three of them can not swim yet. We go to the pool all the time and I keep them in life jackets and in arms reach at all times. This tragic accident could have been prevented which makes it sad er. The little boy is a hero and is now in heaven and that is beautiful but the people at the pool with him and the little girl that day had a responsibility to keep them safe and they failed him in the worst way. My heart goes out to the family but i hope this story serves as a lesson to parents and caretakers….keep you're kids in sight at all times, especially little ones that cant swim at the pool! It is common sense.
Sep 1, 2012
I have five kids, three of them can not swim yet. We go to the pool all the time and I keep them in life jackets and in arms reach at all times. This tragic accident could have been prevented which makes it sad er. The little boy is a hero and is now in heaven and that is beautiful but the people at the pool with him and the little girl that day had a responsibility to keep them safe and they failed him in the worst way. My heart goes out to the family but i hope this story serves as a lesson to parents and caretakers….keep you're kids in sight at all times, especially little ones that cant swim at the pool! It is common sense.
Sep 1, 2012
I have five kids, three of them can not swim yet. We go to the pool all the time and I keep them in life jackets and in arms reach at all times. This tragic accident could have been prevented which makes it sad er. The little boy is a hero and is now in heaven and that is beautiful but the people at the pool with him and the little girl that day had a responsibility to keep them safe and they failed him in the worst way. My heart goes out to the family but i hope this story serves as a lesson to parents and caretakers….keep you're kids in sight at all times, especially little ones that cant swim at the pool! It is common sense.
Sep 1, 2012
I have five kids, three of them can not swim yet. We go to the pool all the time and I keep them in life jackets and in arms reach at all times. This tragic accident could have been prevented which makes it sad er. The little boy is a hero and is now in heaven and that is beautiful but the people at the pool with him and the little girl that day had a responsibility to keep them safe and they failed him in the worst way. My heart goes out to the family but i hope this story serves as a lesson to parents and caretakers….keep you're kids in sight at all times, especially little ones that cant swim at the pool! It is common sense.
Sep 1, 2012
so what are the facts…
Sep 1, 2012
Mike Litherland, I think u r going to have to go n re read this." KHOU reports that the girl’s mother was at the pool at the time of the accident, but few other details were released." NO THE MOTHER WAS NOT GONE TO GET A SNACK!!!!!!!!!
Sep 1, 2012
Emma, just because she was at the pool does not mean she did not turn her back to grab a snack from her bag etc…she was obviously not keeping an eye on the kids and the innocent little boy was surly not within arms reach with a life jacket on as he should have been. You can't simply just be at the pool or at the beach when you have toddlers that cant swim…water is dangerous that is why you keep you're kids safely within arms distance….this could have been avoided and he would still be alive today. period! I hope some good comes out of this story…those parents that don't have the common sense to keep there babies and toddlers with them at all times with life jackets (floating devices) should view this story as an eye opener to the direct results of not watching you're children. accidents happen…yes…but some can be avoided…this is one of them!!!!
Sep 1, 2012
Emma Stedman I'm talking about Xanders mom, not the little girl. So, who witnessed these heroics? Btw, it was originally stated she went for snacks, then the story quickly chainged to the hero theme and no one was supposed to even ask anymore. Sounds like a load of BS.
Sep 1, 2012
So… if the parents were right there and witnessing these heroics and not doing jack shit to help? Shouldn't CPS be involved? You see how BS'y this entire thing sounds?
Sep 1, 2012
Two days later a mom lost another 4 year old in a pool in Ft Worth. That mom (single, poor) did one thing this mom/family won't do. She was honest and said exactly what happened even in the midst of her own pain. She took her other child to the bathroom. No one claimed heroism to slant the story and divert away from the mistake, no one asked for donations even though they have insurance (Xanders dad is in banking). So, where is the honor in this? Seems like Xander was sacrificed for the truth… But then again, that's my own opinion.
Sep 1, 2012
OMFG!! GET OVER IT
Sep 1, 2012
Has anybody heard of this amazing floating device called a "LIFE JACKET" I use them on my little ones every time they go to the pool even in the shallow end. It is a life saving invention and worth the investment. If you are going to turn you're back on you're toddlers at the pool or like Crystal keeps saying "they were right there' but you cant seem to get them out the water … (questionable) then a life jacket is a very good ideal. I don't take chances with my kids in the pool so I can't for the life of understand how they did. A 3 and 4 year old…not 8, 9, 10 . These are babies, they should not have been left unattended for a second!!I feel very bad for the mother, she has to feel responsible and she will have to live with that the rest of her life and that is punishment enough. I would not want to make her feel worse but most of the comments are things she has to already know…she made a mistake but it was a fatal mistake. I hope some good comes out of this, maybe parents will read the story and take every percussion when at the pool/beach with their kids! <3 God bless this little boy
Sep 1, 2012
Lordy… you were the one with your panties in a wad. It was reported differently locally (I live here, you don't). Good luck with your anger issues…
Sep 1, 2012
Exactly!
Sep 2, 2012
Well I do not have anger issues for ur info. Its just gets old when this happened almost a month ago and I did comment on the first news article that came out.