18-MO Twins Drown in Family Pool After Great-Grandmother With Alzheimer’s Leaves Back Door Open

“I saw the mother who was distraught, who got in an EMS vehicle,” a neighbor shared.

Cover Image Source: GoFundMe

By Suchitra B

July 21, 2023

Posted July 21, 2023

Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 20, 2023. It has since been updated.

A family is mourning two twins, a boy and a girl aged 18 months, who died by drowning in their family pool. The two reportedly wandered outside when their great-grandmother, who has Alzheimer's, left a back door open in their Oklahoma City house. Locklyn and Loreli, the twins, were unconscious by the time their mother Jenny Callazzo discovered them on the morning of March 16 at the bottom of the murky water.

Two hours later, the infants were declared dead. Callazzo, a stay-at-home mother who owns a boutique, and her six kids, live with her 42-year-old spouse Sonny, a marketing executive, and their grandmother. A relative told New York Post that Callazzo's grandma, who suffers from Alzheimer's, left the back door open. It appears that the twins escaped from the house and fell into the pool.

18-month-old twins drown after great-grandmother with Alzheimer’s leaves back door open https://t.co/7xY1IgdDsG pic.twitter.com/GU37FKNQJH
— New York Post (@nypost) March 18, 2023

The two infants, according to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, were 18 months old. Battalion Chief Greg Merrell told KOCO News firefighters responded to a 911 report at around 10:45 a.m., but the parents had already removed the kids from the pool by the time they arrived.

The family only recently moved into this house, according to neighbor Mike Bernard. “I saw the mother who was distraught, who got in an EMS vehicle,” Bernard told Oklahoma News 4, adding that all the locals prayed as the emergency responders tried to resuscitate the twins. “They brought out two little children and put them in separate ambulances. And they were doing CPR on both little children,” said Bernard.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with financial needs in this traumatic time. The GoFundMe reads, “These beautiful babies were taken from us too soon. Anything you can give to help with expenses would be greatly appreciated. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Friends and family have been expressing support for the family on the fundraiser. "I am so sorry for the loss of your two precious little angels. My heart breaks for you and your family. I pray the Lord’s comfort and blessings over you as you grieve such a loss," Carol Green wrote.

Another friend, Leslee Jaramillo, wrote, "You all are in our hearts and on our minds during this most difficult time. May your sweet memories bring some comfort and peace. Sending love and hugs."

Dawn McManamy Lemons, a friend of the family, posted the fundraiser asking his friends to donate generously. Lemons wrote, "Please consider donating to help defray expenses. We love you guys," adding, "Loreli & Locklyn were a shining light in our world and we will miss them so much."