‘I’m devastated. I’m numb’: Mom remembers 9-year-old who died at Henrico swim camp

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) – The mom of a 9-year-old boy who died Monday after being pulled from a pool at a Henrico swim camp says she is set to maintain his reminiscence alive.

LaTaisha Johnson mentioned her son, King Overton, was humorous, vigorous and her finest good friend.

“I’m devastated. I’m numb. I’m starting to get mad. It’s just a bunch of emotions all built at once,” Johnson mentioned.

King died after being pulled from the pool at Swim RVA’s camp in Henrico.

Johnson mentioned King had an enormous character and liked to make individuals smile.

“He was the smallest person who was like the biggest personality. And he loved to joke. He was just… he was great,” Johnson mentioned. “He was my best friend, he was really my best friend.”

Johnson mentioned she dropped King off at swim camp Monday, by no means pondering he wouldn’t come dwelling.

“I picked up the Cheetos, so when he gets home from school, the Cheetos are still sitting on the counter. Just imagine dropping your baby off and not being able to pick him up,” Johnson mentioned.

The group is planning a memorial trip Saturday to honor King, who liked vehicles and bikes.

King rode his mini bike for the primary time simply days earlier than he died.

His father had purchased him the bike two years in the past, however Johnson wasn’t positive he was prepared.

King saved asking, and he or she lastly mentioned sure.

“He touched his bike and said, ‘I’m serious, mom. I’m really going to start learning how to ride my bike.’ That was the best time of my life. That was on Monday morning. Walking out my door,” Johnson mentioned.

Johnson mentioned she needs to ensure one thing like this by no means occurs to a different youngster. She had a message for different mother and father.

“Love your babies, love your babies, love your babies. I don’t want this to ever have to happen to any other parent because this is a pain that’s unbearable. Love your babies,” Johnson mentioned.

The memorial trip will begin on the Roses in Mechanicsville.

Participants will meet at 1 p.m., and riders will depart at 2 p.m. Organizers are asking everybody to deliver a balloon, a teddy bear or a candle and to put on blue in King’s honor.