3-Year-Old Who Fell in Pool Leaves Hospital

A 3-year-old Walnut girl was released from St. Jude Hospital and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, three days after she and her 5-year-old sister nearly drowned in their grandmother’s swimming pool.

Robyn Newkirk, who was plucked to safety by her grandmother Wednesday, was released to the care of her parents, David and Patricia Newkirk of Walnut. Her older sister, 5-year-old Randi, remained in critical condition at Childrens Hospital of Orange County in the intensive care unit.

“Robyn was dismissed this morning,” said Cliff Walker, the family pastor. “That’s the good news.” Walker said Robyn had been scheduled to be released Friday--hospital officials had told the press she was going to be released, and it was reported that she was discharged--but was held an extra day because she was still recovering from a touch of pneumonia.

The two youngsters were being watched by their grandmother, Lois Newkirk, at her Fullerton home when she lost sight of them for a few minutes, police said. She found Robyn floating in the pool, dragged her out and called 911.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and pulled Randi from the deep end. She had been there an estimated 15 minutes.

The two were taken to St. Jude Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Fullerton. Randi was transferred to Childrens Hospital, where she remains on a respirator.