MIRAMAR, Fla – Miramar police found a 4-year-old girl and her grandmother dead in a Silver Shores community lake early Monday morning.
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On Sunday afternoon, Leila Fleming and her paternal grandmother, Laura Fleming, 59, left their home to go feed ducks by the lake, relatives told police.
When they didn't return home, relatives notified police about 11 p.m.
Relatives did not believe the girl and her grandmother had left the gated community off Silver Shores Boulevard and Dykes Road.
Police, relatives and residents went out to search for them -- and found them dead in the lake about 2 a.m.
During a Monday morning press conference, Miramar police spokeswoman Tania Rues said detectives believed their deaths were accidental.
Family members told Local 10 News they believe the girl fell into the water, and the grandmother tried to save her but both drowned.
"Leila -- I guess she tripped over the edge and Laura tried to save her, but Laura doesn't know how to swim, so she died trying to save her (Leila)," said one family member.
The cause of death for both victims was ruled a drowning. Police said there were no signs of foul play.
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