A Community's Heartbreak: The Tragic Loss of Two-Year-Old Ezra in Amherst

The quiet community of Amherst, New York, has been plunged into profound sorrow following the heartbreaking drowning of two-year-old Ezra in a backyard swimming pool. What began as a desperate search for a missing toddler culminated in a devastating tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many and raising serious questions about child safety.

On a somber Monday evening in mid-May, the frantic calls began.

Ezra's parents, Nicole and Anthony Gorski, reported their young son missing from their residence on Parkledge Drive. The search was swift and agonizingly short. Within minutes, the unimaginable occurred: Ezra was discovered unresponsive in the family's backyard pool. First responders, including Amherst Police and the Snyder Fire Department, arrived at the scene with urgent speed, immediately initiating life-saving measures.

The race against time continued as Ezra was rushed to Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

Despite the valiant efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, the young boy's life could not be saved. He was pronounced dead, leaving his family and the wider community reeling from the shock and immense grief of such a sudden and senseless loss. The incident sent a chill through local neighborhoods, prompting an outpouring of sympathy for the Gorski family.

However, the tragedy took a complex and unsettling turn when, just days later, Ezra's parents were arrested and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities indicated that the charges stemmed from alleged negligence that contributed to their son's death. This development added a layer of legal gravity to an already devastating personal loss, sparking further discussions and concerns within the community regarding parental responsibility and child protection.

Details emerging from the investigation painted a more intricate picture.

Sources revealed that the family had prior involvement with Child Protective Services, and a concerned relative had reportedly contacted authorities about the children's welfare just weeks before Ezra's drowning. These revelations cast a shadow over the circumstances of the tragedy, suggesting potential systemic issues that warrant further scrutiny.

The Gorski couple pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment, and the case is now navigating the complexities of the justice system.

The Amherst Police Department, along with the Erie County District Attorney's Office, continues its thorough investigation into the events leading up to Ezra's death.

As the community struggles to come to terms with this profound loss, and the legal proceedings against the parents unfold, the memory of two-year-old Ezra serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.