1-year-old daughter of Ave Maria University Dean of Students dies after drowning in pond

The nearly 2-year-old daughter of Ave Maria University's dean of students died after drowning in a pond behind her family's home over the weekend, leaving the Ave Maria community in mourning. According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded Saturday afternoon to the family's home after receiving a report of a 1-year-old child who had drowned. Deputies said the girl, Beata Lendman, was found in the pond behind the family's home on Ferrari Avenue after she had been missing for about 15 minutes. Immokalee Fire Chief Michael Choate said the first deputy arrived within four minutes and immediately began CPR until firefighters and Collier County Emergency Medical Services crews arrived. "The deputies in this county are so amazing," Choate said. "He did such a great job of CPR until he was relieved by our crews and Collier County EMS, and every possible lifesaving measure that could happen took place." According to a CCSO report, Beata was in the care of a family friend, 27-year-old James Hayner, who was watching several children at the time. Hayner told deputies he had been playing soccer with the children when he realized he had not seen Beata for more than 15 minutes. Deputies said Hayner found Beata about 3 feet from the shoreline in the pond directly behind the home. He began CPR while someone called 911. Ave Maria University announced Beata's death Wednesday. She was the daughter of Daniel Lendman, Ph.D., the university's dean of students, and his wife, Veronica. University President Mark Middendorf asked the campus community to pray for the family. "We ask our community to keep Dr. Daniel and Veronica Lendman and their children in prayer following the loss of their daughter, Beata," Middendorf said. "Please continue to hold the Lendman family close in prayer." Daniel Lendman told Gulf Coast News the family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the Ave Maria community. We ask for continued prayers for our family. Beata's funeral will be a celebration of her precious life, and we give all glory to God for the tremendous gift she was." Choate said the tragedy has affected the entire community and serves as an important reminder about water safety. "Something like this affects the entire community. And it's just so tragic," Choate said. He added that while many families focus on pool safety, Southwest Florida's many lakes, ponds and canals also pose dangers. "This is just such a sobering reminder that we live in a county that has water everywhere," Choate said. The Lendman family said Beata's funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Ave Maria Parish. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV