It's been a tough couple of days for family and friends of two-year-old Justin Spradley.

The Clinch County Sheriff's Office tells Eyewitness News that on Tuesday the toddler opened the back door of his home while his parents were cleaning up.

Authorities say he later climbed up the ladder of the pool and fell in. The Sheriff says when he arrived on scene at 79 Grant Road, he realized it was the home of one of his deputies.

"Very unfortunate accident, the father and the mother are devastated, it's really hurt them," said Clinch County Sheriff Winston Peterson.

Deputies say they tried to resuscitate the toddler before transporting him to Clinch Memorial hospital.

Soon after arriving at the hospital, Justin was pronounced dead.

Neighbors refused to speak on camera saying they're all hurting.

Authorities say the drowning has been ruled accidental.

"We're all saddened by it, the community is sad, I wish it could've been avoided but it's the lord's work. We're sorry, said Peterson."