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.
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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