parks
Temple mom works to require higher deadbolts in new homes after 3-year-old son drowns in pool
By Mariah Williams at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
A Temple mother is hoping to turn her loss into change after her 3-year-old son drowned in a backyard pool a year ago.Hannah Ochoa's firstborn, Keaton Smith, was a fighter from the beginning, having been born premature. As he grew, he could always be found with a toy animal in his hand while watc...
Key takeaway Hannah Ochoa's firstborn, Keaton Smith, was a fighter from the beginning, having been born premature.
Why this matters in The Waco
The proposed bill to require higher deadbolts in new homes has significant implications for Waco area families, particularly those with young children. If passed, the legislation would bring residential homes in line with existing rental property standards, providing an additional layer of protection against accidental pool drownings and other hazards. For local parents, the prospect of enhanced home safety features is a welcome development, especially given the tragic circumstances that prompted Hannah Ochoa's advocacy. As the bill moves forward, Waco residents can expect to see increased discussion about its potential impact on the local building industry and homeowners. The fact that Ochoa's petition is available at Belton Summer Fun and online suggests that community engagement on this issue is already underway, and it will be important to watch how local lawmakers and residents respond to the proposal in the coming months.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Temple mother is hoping to turn her loss into change after her 3-year-old son drowned in a backyard pool a year ago.Hannah Ochoa's firstborn, Keaton Smith, was a fighter from the beginning, having been born premature. As he grew, he could always be found with a toy animal in his hand while watc...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariah Williams at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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