Tragedy struck in New Jersey on June 24, 2024. A 6-year-old boy died on his first day at summer day camp. Michael Stewart drowned in the pool while attending Liberty Lakes Day Camp.
This incident is still under investigation by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and Mansfield Township Police. Michael's mom, Enjoli Stewart, is heartbroken but determined to do right by her son. Camp Director Andy Pritikin held a video conference with concerned parents one day after Michael's death.
Michael couldn't wait for summer day camp. "Someone asked me how my day was going and I told them about Michael and how Michael fell asleep the night before with his goggles on," Enjoli told CBS News.
The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office issued a statement about this tragic incident. At around 2 p.m. Michael was found unresponsive in a pool and a lifeguard pulled him out of the water. "Life-saving measures were attempted by camp staff members. He was transported by ambulance to Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly, where he was pronounced dead," the press release explained.
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The camp director notified other campers' parents of Michael's death by email. He held a video meeting the following day. He explained Michael was found in the small pool which, ranges from 18 inches deep to 4 feet deep. He went on to explain that the camp was fully staffed with more than enough coverage.
Enjoli told CBS she is taking some time before deciding what to do next. "We're going to make sure he has the fair arrangements. I think I'm going to take some time to process and heal. Michael taught me how to fight and he taught me to fight without using my hands," she said. "He taught me how to fight in a different manner."
