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'Tragic accident': 3-year-old girl found after apparent drowning in Lake Wylie

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A 3-year-old girl who disappeared Saturday afternoon was found dead after an apparent drowning in York County.

Deputies said Maryam Atabek was visiting residents in the area when she was reported missing near Lake Wylie Road in the Clover area.

Officials said they got the call around 12:30 p.m. and Atabek's body was found around 2 p.m.

"Just before 12:30 we were dispatched for a missing 3-year-old child," deputies said. "At the time, parents believed that she wandered off. We brought K-9 dive and sadly, about 2 p.m., it became a recovery effort. The child was found. We're doing an investigation, but it just seems like right now it's turning out to be a tragic accident."

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Authorities said she was last seen wearing gray sweat pants, a green hoodie and pink rain boots before she was found.

Neighbors told Channel 9's Tina Terry they were notified about the missing girl by phone and online. 

"I said, 'Something is happening. I want to know what's going on,'" resident Kaitland Day. "His dad got an automated call from the sheriff's office saying what's going on."

Residents said the tragedy has affected everyone in the tight-knit community. 

"It hits close to home, especially having her niece and nephew," one neighbor said. 

"Thoughts and prayers go out to the family on this tragic afternoon," another resident told Channel 9. "I just hope they find some kind of peace, especially for the one that was responsible for her."

No other details have been released.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.

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