A 14-year-old girl has sadly died from drowning at a water park while getting off of a ride.
As per ABC11, Mykiara Jones, a freshman at Middletown High School, visited the Land of Illusion’s water park in Middletown, Ohio, on July 20.
The teenager is said to have fallen into a pool while getting off of a ride, and it was some 30 minutes before lifeguards were able to locate her and pull her from the water.
Last night we lost one of our Middies. Mykiara Jones was a rising freshman who was taken too soon. Please keep her family, friends & teachers in your thoughts & prayers. We appreciate the comfort already extended to our school community💜
➡️ https://t.co/Z54KmrZ1zn pic.twitter.com/0rHv69HUWX— Middletown Schools (@MiddletownOH) July 21, 2021
Mykiara was airlifted to the nearby Dayton Children’s Hospital, but tragically could not be saved.
“This is a tragedy no parent should have to endure,” Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said in a statement.
“These are the calls first responders dread and have difficulty dealing with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”
The sheriff’s office is now said to be looking into possible regulation violations at the water park. A statement from the authorities reads:
“There are a wide range of complaints insinuating the Aqua Adventures Park has violated various regulations. The complaints allege the park does not have certified life guards, life vest rules are not enforced and no rescue equipment is readily available, among others.”
— Richard K. Jones (@butlersheriff) July 22, 2021
Sheriff Jones added: “This investigation may extend beyond my office and I plan on contacting OSHA and The Attorney General’s Office for assistance.
“After this tragedy, the number of complaints has been staggering and I feel it’s very important to obtain all relevant facts to ensure everything is being done according to regulations and safety guidelines.”
The water park itself, meanwhile, was closed on July 2.
They said in statement: “Land of Illusion is saddened to learn of the passing of a young girl at our Aqua Adventure Park yesterday (July 20). Out of respect for her and her family, and for our employees who are also dealing with this tragedy, Land of Illusion Aqua Adventure Park will be closed today.
“We are fully supporting state and local officials as they investigate the incident. We would like to thank first responders and all those who participated in the rescue effort.
“We ask that you join us in sending thoughts and prayers and our deepest condolences to our guest’s family and friends, as well as to the team members and guests who were onsite last evening during this tragedy.“
Terrible tragedy: Mykiara Jones, 14, died Tuesday after she was pulled from the water at Land of Illusion’s waterpark >> https://t.co/Vy2GxGQRPR pic.twitter.com/NEYS8bMm34
— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) July 21, 2021
My hearts goes out to the family of Mykiara Jones at this difficult time. We hope a thorough investigation will give her loved ones some answers.
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Meanwhile, share this article to remind people to always stay vigilant and careful where water is involved.
