The deaths are thought to be linked to the recent record-breaking heat wave.
Autopsies have been completed and Bradley County Sheriff’s Office investigators are waiting on preliminary results from a Knoxville medical examiner, according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for BCSO.
Tasha Moses reportedly traveled to her father’s home on Armstrong Road just before 3 p.m. Thursday to alert 911 that her children, Leland Bates, 5, and River Bates, 3, were unresponsive and reportedly had been involved in a possible drowning.
The incident occurred at the Moses home located on Keith Valley Road. River Bates was transported to SkyRidge Medical Center where he died later. Leland Bates was taken to Erlanger Medical Center where he died Friday, according to reports.
Gault said the bodies of the children were taken to Knoxville for autopsy in an effort to determine cause of death.
According to Gault, investigators have been unable to find a pool or pond for the reported possible drowning. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were sent out to both locations.
Extreme temperatures Thursday and throughout the weekend topped 100-plus degrees.
The investigation is ongoing by the Criminal Investigations Division and preliminary results should be available possibly by Friday, officials said.
