Cousin saves child’s life

A 3-year-old boy was saved from drowning by his cousin at a birthday party at Cherokee Pass.

Christopher Hobaugh, 3, of Fredericktown was swimming at a pool in Pinecrest Camp in Cherokee Pass when he slipped out of his float device and went under water.

Christopher’s cousin, 12-year-old Tyler Reese of Fredericktown, had seen what had happened and pulled the toddler out of the pool. According to Tyler’s family, Christopher appeared lifeless.

Madison County Ambulance District responded along with Arch Air Ambulance, the Cherokee Pass Fire Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Christopher was turning blue, according to Cherokee Pass Firefighter Harold Rhodes, who was working at the camp at the time.

Tyler, the son of Cory and Shannon Reese of Fredericktown, is being credited for saving the boy’s life.

According to his mother, Christopher was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Parkland Hospital in Farmington.