An 8-year-old child was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after he was found unresponsive during a possible accidental hanging incident in Waukegan.
The Waukegan Fire Department and Waukegan Police Department responded around 4:20 p.m. Tuesday to the Beechwood at the Preserve Apartments in the 3000 block of 8th Street in Waukegan for an injured person call.
A 911 caller reported an 8-year-old boy was found hanging in an apartment.
The boy was cut down and was reportedly not conscious and not breathing, according to fire department radio traffic.
Paramedics arrived and transported the child to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Waukegan Deputy Police Chief Scott Chastain called the incident “tragic” and said the investigation is ongoing.
A preliminary investigation shows there does not appear to be any signs of foul play.
Chastain said it is possible the incident was accidental but detectives are working to figure it out.
The child is still alive in the hospital as of Wednesday and being treated by medical professionals, Chastain said.
It is unknown if the child has been transferred to another hospital for further care.
“As we obtain any further information regarding this incident, we will bring it forward,” Chastain said.