'He was never sad': Family mourns loss of 5-year-old child after campground drowning

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. [KTRE]

A Missouri family is grieving following the death of their 5-year-old son in a swimming pool accident Sunday evening at a campground near Springfield.

Emergency responders received a distress call at approximately 6:50 p.m. from Bennett Spring Campground in the Lebanon area. Upon arrival, first responders found two adults already performing life-saving measures on the boy, identified as Colton Alverson. He was transported to a Kansas City-area hospital for treatment but could not be saved.

Lebanon police officials said their investigation into the exact circumstances of the drowning remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details about how the incident occurred.

Colton's father, Steven Alverson, remembered his son as an enthusiastic and upbeat youngster. "Colton was always a happy little man," Alverson said. "He loved going to school. He loved learning. He was never sad." The father noted his son was particularly fond of water activities and animated programs, and had a gift for entertaining his siblings.

Colton's stepmother, Samantha Ramirez, also spoke to her stepson's engaging personality and gentle demeanor. She recalled how he would spontaneously recite numbers and letters while others watched television.

Alverson said the family faces a difficult journey ahead as they cope with the loss and help Colton's siblings process their grief. He expressed hope that those around him would remember the boy not with sadness, but by honoring the happiness and brightness he brought into their lives.