Toddler's drowning ruled an accident

The July drowning of a 2-year-old Hampshire Township girl in her family's backyard pool was ruled accidental Wednesday by a Kane County coroner's jury.

Kaylee J. Datisman was found unconscious in her family's above-ground pool just after 8 p.m. July 23.

She died a short time later at Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.

Eric Fisher, a detective with the Kane County Sheriff's Department, said the child was missing for 10 to 15 minutes before being found.

Fisher said he interviewed both of the toddler's parents -- Bradley and Tammy Datisman -- and each thought the other was watching the toddler while the pair tended to their vegetable garden.

Fisher said Bradley Datisman went inside to get some mosquito repellant and told the girl to stay outside and look at the family's kittens.

"Tammy thought the baby was with Bradley. Bradley thought the baby was with Tammy. Unfortunately, the pool ladder was left down," Fisher said, adding, "It appears she climbed up the ladder."

Her parents at first thought Kaylee was abducted, and began frantically searching the area until her mother found her in the pool, Fisher said.

Deputy Coroner Lisa Gilbert said an autopsy showed the child died of drowning and did not have any alcohol or drugs in her system.

"I don't believe there are any issues of foul play," Gilbert said.