9-year-old dies at Swim RVA summer season camp

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) – A 9-year-old boy died Monday afternoon at Swim RVA’s summer season camp.

Police were called for a medical emergency on the camp about 2:30 p.m.

Camp employees pulled him from the pool and instantly started CPR and lifesaving measures till first responders took over. The boy was rushed to the hospital, the place he died.

The chief medical expert is working to find out the precise reason behind dying.

LaTaisha Johnson shared images of her son, King, with 12 On Your Side, however stated she will not be prepared to speak publicly. She stated King was small, however his coronary heart was bigger than life.

“King was our everything,” Johnson stated in a social media submit. “He was the love of our lives our heart our joy and our reason for so much. The pain we are feeling right now is unbearable and there are no words that can truly describe what we’re going through.”

Johnson stated she remembers precisely when she final instructed her son she beloved him — 8:17 a.m. Monday.

Swim RVA closed the camp location out of respect for King and his household. The group is conserving the situation closed by means of the top of the week and plans to supply grief counseling.

Officer Mike Pfister with Henrico police stated mother and father ought to speak to their youngsters about pool security.

“Just sit down and have the conversation with your kids about some pool safety and maybe some things that they could employ while they’re in the water, flotation devices, safety standards, stuff like that,” Pfister stated.

“And if some of those things aren’t met, if they get to the pool and there is no lifeguard and they don’t feel comfortable about swimming or if there is no other adult and they don’t feel comfortable about swimming or being in the water, just go over some ground rules and just make sure that they understand, hey, look, maybe today isn’t the best time to swim.”

Pfister stated responding to a name like that is devastating and hopes it serves as a reminder of how necessary pool security is.

“That is understandable. It’s one of those things as a parent, you want to make sure your kids are safe,” Pfister stated. “You want to make sure that they’re also educated, but take the time and talk to them. Sit down with them and explain to them pool safety rules.”