Family reports that 5-year-old girl who was swept into Sarasota storm drain has passed away.

“It is with a broken heart I have to share that Zaria has received the ultimate healing, and is in the arms of Jesus,” an update published Thursday on the page said.

“The family is grateful for all the love and support shown over the past few days.”

“I will keep the GoFundMe up at this time. Any funds raised above the amount needed to cover medical, funeral, and monthly bills for the next month will be donated to pediatric charities.”

ABC7 has reached out to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and All Children’s Hospital for confirmation.

Authorities said Zaria Miller had been playing in a ditch after heavy rains, under the supervision of her grandmother, when a nearby water main broke.

The increased water flow created more suction in a culvert, where she was pulled into the drain.

The grandmother made a frantic 911 call telling emergency personnel about the accident.

Rescuers began searching storm drains. They found Zaria floating face up in water about 200 yards west of where she was last seen before disappearing into fast-moving water.

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She was then taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She was later transferred to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

ABC7 spoke with Dr. Neil Grigg, a drainage expert with Colorado State University, who explained how situations like this occur.

“It’s fairly common here in the United States,” Grigg said. “There are a lot of storm drains and ditches and hazards that are out there.”

RELATED STORY | Child swept into storm drain remains in critical condition as investigation continues

Grigg emphasized that without safety measures in place, children can become trapped while playing near water. “Unfortunately, the kinds of ventilation that would be out there are not likely to prevent a thing like this, because we are talking about a very low technology,” he explained.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has stated that a detective with the Criminal Investigation Section is assigned to the ongoing case.

Legal experts have suggested that it is improbable that any charges will be brought against the parents. “This is a bizarre situation where a child is sucked into a drain,” said Alexis Rosenburg, a lawyer with Rosenberg Law. “If a child was appropriately supervised, then I don’t see any charges being filed against the parents or guardians. It just seems like a fluke accident.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe page had raised over $80,000.

Key Information

• Incident: Zaria Miller accident involving water main break.
• Location: Sarasota County, Florida.
• Outcome: Passed away, family grateful for support.
• Fundraiser: GoFundMe page raised over $80,000.
• Investigation: Ongoing by Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, no charges expected against guardians.