ST. BERNARD — Three people, including two 2-year-olds, died Wednesday evening in two separate drownings.

        One drowning left an East Walnut Hills day-care provider facing a felony charge, while the other claimed a St. Bernard woman and her grandson.

        Two-year-old Ousmane Thiam was found dead about 7:25 p.m. Wednesday after he was allowed to swim in a backyard blow-up pool while his day-care provider took a bath.

        Dione Hillman, 31, was charged with felony child endangering. Court records say she created a substantial risk to the child's health by “violating a duty of care.”

        The drowning happened at her home in the 3100 block of Hackberry Street. County records show Ms. Hillman was licensed by the county as a day-care provider.

        She was being held Thursday in the Hamilton County Justice Center in lieu of $15,000 bond.

        In St. Bernard, neighbors of Lillian Heard, 62, say she was a jolly, friendly woman and doting grandmother.

        “She loved that grandchild,” said Bobby Roberts, who also lives at the Alpine Terrace condominium in the 5000 block of Chalet Drive.

        But Wednesday evening, Mrs. Heard and her 2-year-old grandson, Charles Heard Jr., drowned in the complex's swimming pool. They were found by two teen-age boys about 6:10 p.m.

        Rescue workers tried to revive them. Mrs. Heard was pronounced dead at University Hospital at 6:25 p.m. and the toddler was pronounced dead at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center at 6:50 p.m., police said.

        The pool has no lifeguard and there are signs warning people that they swim at their own risk. Building managers Thursday would not comment on the drownings.

        “They were seen by the maintenance guy about quarter to five entering the pool area,” St. Bernard Police Lt. Mike Schindler said. “We don't suspect any foul play. It just appears it was an accident. They were the only two we know that were at the pool.”

        News of Mrs. Heard's death filtered through her building Thursday morning, leaving residents stunned and saddened. She had lived in the condominium for several years, neighbors said.

        “She would do anything for anybody,” said Edna Mirick, who lives in the building. “I prayed all night that it wasn't her. I think it shocked everybody.”

        Mr. Roberts would often talk to Mrs. Heard when the two saw each other in the building or parking lot. She bought a newer car last year, and Mr. Roberts would clean the windshield of ice and snow in the winter.

        Mr. Roberts' wife has cancer, and Mrs. Heard would often ask about her.

        “I wish we could have a whole building of people like her,” Mr. Roberts said. “I thought a lot of that lady.”

        After having knee surgery last year, Mrs. Heard would complain about climbing the steps that led to their condominiums. But after making it to the top floor, she would be laughing again.

        Enquirer reporters Jane Prendergast and William A. Weathers contributed to this report.

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