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North Port toddler found in canal died from drowning

Ava Natalia Perry was found after a search involving neighbors and about 30 officers.
Credit: City of North Port
A 20-month-old child named Ava was last seen around 10 a.m. Tuesday in North Port.

NORTH PORT, Fla. - A missing toddler who died after being found in a canal on Tuesday died from drowning, authorities said.

"Preliminary autopsy results in the Ava Perry case state the cause of death is consistent with drowning pending toxicology," said Madison Heid, North Port spokesperson.

MORE: Missing baby from North Port dies after being found in canal near home

20-month-old Ava Natalia Perry went missing at about 10 a.m. Tuesday from her home near Alam Avenue and Mola Street. Her parents inadvertently fell asleep, and when they awoke, realized the rear sliding glass door was open and the baby was gone, the Florida Department of Children and Families said.

Ava was located in a canal near the family's backyard. The canal is about five feet deep and overgrown with brush.

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