Boy found unconscious in swimming area

A 5-year-old boy was hospitalized after being found unconscious Sunday in the swimming area of the Carolina Lakes marina in Sanford.

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Benhaven EMS and the Spout Springs Fire Department were called to the area at about 2:30 p.m. in reference to a possible drowning.

Authorities said a group of children and adults were attending a birthday party at the lake when Elijah Christian Caddick went missing in the water.

Crews found Elijah unconscious in the swimming area. He was taken to Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford and then transferred to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he was listed in critical condition.