Body of drowned baby returned to family for burial

A 14-month-old boy found unconcious in a toilet on the first night of Rosh Hashana died of accidental drowning, officials said.

The body of Mendi Altman, of Monsey, was found by his 13-year-old brother in their aunt's home in Borough Park , according to The Daily News.

The child was pronounced dead at Maimonides Medical Center.

The medical examiner concluded after an initial investigation that there was no criminality in the accidental drowning and the body was returned to the family with autopsy being performed. Orthodox Jewish law dictates that the dead must be buried as soon as possible after death, and autopsies are generally prohibited.

(With Newsday and News 12)