In a letter to district parents, Middletown City Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles wrote that her mother works in the district so “we will be wrapping our arms around her during this extremely difficult time.”
The district is working with Access Counseling to have grief counselors available to support students, staff and parents as needed, he wrote. Access Counseling can be reached at 513-649-8008, ext. 038.
Crews were called to the lake at Land of Illusion Adventure Park at 8762 Thomas Road in Madison Twp. for a report of a juvenile drowning, according to the sheriff’s office. The Madison Twp. EMS and the Land of Illusion staff were attempting to locate a teen girl who went underwater at approximately 5 p.m.
The Land of Illusion lifeguard located her about 30 minutes later, according to the sheriff’s office. She was pulled from the water and Madison Twp. EMS began treatment. She was flown by CareFlight to Dayton Children’s Hospital, where she died.
“This is a tragedy no parent should have to endure,” Sheriff Richard Jones said in a press release. “These are the calls first responders dread and have difficulty dealing with.”
In a post on its Facebook page, Land of Illusion said it is “saddened to learn of the passing of a young girl” at the Aqua Adventures Waterpark.
Land of Illusion is saddened to learn of the passing of a young girl at our Aqua Adventure Park yesterday (July 20). Out...
Posted by Land of Illusion on Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The park will be closed Wednesday “out of respect for her and her family, and for our employees who are also dealing with this tragedy,” the Facebook post said.
The post also said: “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.”
