Toddler found in North Port canal’s death ruled drowning

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Missing 20-month-old Ava Natalia Perry was found in a canal near her family’s home and rushed to the hospital.

A preliminary investigation Thursday afternoon found a cause of death for the 20-month-old toddler found in a canal in North Port, according to the City of North Port.

Ava Perry’s cause of death “is consistent with drowning,” according to a spokesperson for the city of North Port.

Ava’s mother laid down for a nap around 9 a.m. and left the kids in the care of their father, according to a report from the Department of Children and Families.

Investigators say she woke up two hours later to the sound of children playing outside. She walked into the living room and saw their sliding glass door wide open with Ava’s father asleep on the couch.

Both parents tested positive for marijuana, according to the report, but detectives said neither one of them appeared to be under the influence at the time of the incident.

There is still a pending toxicology report.

Ava was previously reported missing from her home Tuesday morning.

Trust WINK News for more information as details become available.

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