Second toddler drowns in Columbus retention pond that met regulations

Two-year-old Beeny Mbo was found dead in a retention pond near the Polaris Place apartments in north Columbus on Sunday, hours after he was reported missing; police said the drowning appeared accidental and no foul play was suspected. The search involved police units, a helicopter and a dive team, but officers said the incident unfolded too quickly to prevent. The pond had warning signs and buoys and was found to comply with Columbus regulations adopted in 2024, which also require tenant education at multi-unit residential properties. Mbo’s death, following another toddler’s drowning at a Columbus apartment-complex pond in July, has renewed calls for complete fencing; city officials cite installation and maintenance costs and concerns that fences could hinder rescue efforts.