NILES —  The community is responding following the death of an 11-year-old boy, who is reported to have drowned Saturday in a pool. 

Dayton Hildebrand was a fifth-grader at Howard-Ellis Elementary School. Principal Michelle Asmus released a statement Tuesday expressing her sorrow at his loss and reminding families that the school offers support resources.

“We are deeply saddened by news of the unexpected death of a fifth-grader at Howard-Ellis Elementary School, who, according to police reports, accidentally drowned in a pool on Saturday,” Asmus stated.

Asmus said the school had enlisted a district-wide crisis team to help school community members cope with the tragedy.

“Our Crisis Response Team members will be available throughout the school day to support students and staff members,” Asmus said. “Additionally, we have provided counselors from across the district on site throughout rest of week as needed. We are doing everything we can to help your child and our staff through this difficult time.”

Asmus encouraged those with questions to contact Melissa Rough or Libby Mathews at (269) 683-4633.

A Go Fund Me page has been launched to help the family pay for the funeral and other associated costs. The page can be found at gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-dayton-hildebrand.

The page describes Hildebrand as adventurous, sweet and caring.

“Please open your hearts and donate to give this family a little peace of mind,” the post read.

As of press time, the page had raised about $1,380 out of a $10,000 goal.

The incident occurred at 8:58 p.m. Sept. 15. Deputies responded to an address on M-51 in Howard Township, following a report of an 11-year-old male lying on the bottom of the pool, according to police. Party attendees were reported to have pulled the child to the surface of the water and parents on the scene began immediately performing CPR.

The child was transported to Lakeland Hospital in Niles, where he was pronounced dead, according to a news release.

The incident remains under investigation. Cass County Sheriff Capt. Tom Jacobs said officers do not suspect any foul play. He said authorities are awaiting a report from the medical examiner to determine the official cause of death. He expects those details later this week, he said.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan DNR, SMCAS, Niles City Fire Department, Pokagon Tribal Police and Howard Township Fire Department.