What is the leading cause of unintentional death for children? (ages 1-4) For children, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death. In 2014, 388 children between the ages of one and four died from drowning. By ProMatcher Staff Updated: 08/22/2016 Next Question Source: CDC Next Question Find Local Pros Free Actuaries Cost Estimates Related Questions How many injuries involve vacuum cleaners? How Many Forklift Injuries Occur Each Year? How many people are killed by wood chippers? How many flooring-related injuries occur each year? How many home fires occur each year?