Full Breakdown
Tragic Drowning Incident in Kissimmee: Father Faces Manslaughter Charges
12/17/2025, 12:59:28 AM
Overview of the Incident
On December 13, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Kissimmee, Florida, where 20-month-old Azariah Hough drowned in a hot tub while under the care of her father, Reynard Tyrone Hough, 33, from Washington, D.C. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office reported that Hough had been drinking and using narcotics prior to the incident, which took place at an Airbnb rental. Hough allegedly fell asleep while holding his daughter in the hot tub, leading to her drowning.
Sequence of Events
Emergency responders were called to the vacation rental around 3:30 a.m. after receiving reports of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found Azariah unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. She was transported to AdventHealth Celebration, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 4:30 a.m. Hough reportedly told investigators that he had taken his daughter into the hot tub and fell asleep for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. He awoke to find her limp and unresponsive in his arms.
Legal Consequences
Hough was initially charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm. However, following further investigation, the charges were upgraded to aggravated manslaughter of a child. He remains in custody at the Osceola County Jail without bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 19, 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Family and Community Reactions
The family of Azariah Hough expressed their devastation over the loss. Hough's sister described the emotional toll on the family, stating, “It’s very hard losing a niece this way, and then we have so much hurt for my brother because he’s just so distraught.” Community members have also reacted with shock, emphasizing the importance of supervision for young children, especially around water.
Criticism of Parental Responsibility
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kim Montes highlighted the preventable nature of the tragedy, stating, “You’re on vacation. You’re in that mode that you don’t think anything can go wrong.” Critics have pointed out that the combination of alcohol, drugs, and the responsibility of caring for a young child can lead to dangerous situations. Montes noted that many drownings in the area involve families on vacation, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Official Statements
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has committed to a thorough investigation, with Captain Montes stating, “Investigators are taking a deep dive into this and want to make sure they look at everything.” The sheriff's office has also expressed empathy for both parents, acknowledging the challenges of supervising young children.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The father stated that he brought his daughter into the hot tub and fell asleep while holding her. He reported waking up to find the child unresponsive in his arms while still in the hot tub,” — Osceola County Sheriff's Office
- “It should make us angry, when a child that young dies because they should definitely be supervised. It just should not have happened,” — Broderick Sheffield, Community Member
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the critical importance of parental supervision and the potential dangers associated with alcohol and drug use in caregiving situations.
