What began as a thrilling summer adventure for young Michael Stewart concluded in a harrowing tragedy. The unexpected incident has stirred profound grief and concerns over the camp’s safety measures, prompting a thorough investigation.
A tragic event enveloped Liberty Lake Day Camp in Burlington County, New Jersey, on Monday, when six-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart tragically drowned on his first day at summer camp. The heartbreaking development has left a family steeped in mourning and a community shell-shocked.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
Michael’s mother, Enjoli Stewart, shared her overwhelming sorrow and disappointment with the camp. “Liberty Lakes messed up. Big time. And now I don’t have a son anymore. That’s heartbreaking,” she told FOX 29.
Michael had eagerly anticipated his first day at camp, unaware it would mark the end of his young life. Enjoli had invested thousands of dollars, expecting a summer filled with joy and learning. She shared, “I did everything I could to ensure he was placed in the right school and right camp.”
“I did everything I could to make sure he got placed into the right school and the right camp.”
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
The incident occurred during the afternoon swim period for campers entering first and second grades.
According to camp officials, a lifeguard discovered Michael unresponsive in a shallow pool, pulled him out, and administered CPR.
Despite valiant efforts to save him, Michael was declared dead at a local hospital later that day.
Michael’s very existence was a testament to resilience. Born as a micro-preemie at 23 weeks, weighing a mere one pound three ounces, doctors had given him slim chances of survival.
But with his mother’s unyielding advocacy and faith, Michael defied those odds, growing into an intelligent, loving, and brave young boy. His tenacity and zest for knowledge endeared him to everyone around him.
“Michael taught me how to fight and he taught me to fight without using my hands,” Enjoli said. “He taught me how to fight in a different manner.”
Michael was incredibly close to his younger sister, Layla. They shared countless memories playing basketball and baseball together. Enjoli described her son as “extremely smart,” always eager to expand his large vocabulary.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
Enjoli fondly recalled that Michael was a child with an unquenchable thirst for learning, with piano classes next on his summer agenda.
Liberty Lake Day Camp, which had just opened for the summer on the day of the incident, expressed its collective sorrow in a statement.
Camp founder Andy Pritikin wrote, “All of us at Liberty Lake Day Camp are devastated and grieving over the tragic passing of our young camper. This senseless tragedy took a life that was far too young. There are no words that feel appropriate enough to capture our heartache and mourning.”
The dreadful news reached Enjoli while she was sharing Michael’s excitement about camp with a coworker.
“Someone asked me how my day was going, and I told them about Michael falling asleep with his goggles on, excited about swimming. Then my phone rang, and I was told to rush to Mount Holly-Virtua,” she recounted.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Mansfield Township police are investigating the incident. An autopsy was performed on Tuesday by the Burlington County medical examiner.
A Mother’s Quest for Answers
Enjoli has raised concerns about the camp’s safety protocols. She revealed that Michael, a novice swimmer, was supposed to participate in an instructional class that did not occur.
She also stated that Michael was assigned a one-on-one aide meant to be with him constantly, who is still employed at the camp.
Pritikin acknowledged that on the first day of camp, staffers usually do not conduct instructional swim classes.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
The camp employs 25 lifeguards certified in first aid, CPR, and AED use, accompanied by three registered nurses.
Despite these measures, Enjoli insists more could have been done to prevent her son’s death. She suggested that, as a gesture of respect, the camp should have closed the pool for 24 to 48 hours following the incident.
Pritikin remarked that experts advised continuing camp activities, highlighting that the safety and well-being of campers and staff is their utmost priority.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
Michael was a rising first-grader in the Lumberton School District, which released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the Stewart family.
In support of the grieving family, a lemonade stand fundraiser will be held at the Old Fire House on Main Street in Lumberton on Saturday.
This event is particularly poignant, given Michael’s love for making lemonade and hosting stands in his neighborhood.
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist the Stewart family with funeral and memorial expenses. The campaign sheds light on Michael’s remarkable journey from premature birth to his joyful life.
The campaign organizer recalled when Michael was born, and doctors had forewarned Enjoli about his slim chances of survival.
“Michael’s mother refused to accept that, and with every ounce of her strength, advocacy, and faith, she fought for his life,” the campaign narrates.
Witnessing her son grow into a delightful young boy filled Enjoli’s heart with incomparable joy, unaware that her happiness would be fleeting.
Michael is remembered as a boy with a heart of gold, emanating kindness. Not only did he support his mother and sister, but he also touched the lives of everyone around him.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
“The family needs significant support at this time,” the GoFundMe campaign states. “We are asking for your help to raise money for Michael Jeffrey and his family to provide him the funeral and memorial services he deserves. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.”
The online fundraiser aims to raise $40,000. With over 670 donations, the campaign has already amassed more than $32,000. Contributions continue to pour in, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with the grieving family.
Overwhelmed by the support, the GoFundMe campaign organizer posted an update:
“The outpouring of support is amazing. We want to thank everyone for helping Enjoli, Layla, and the rest of the family during this devastating time.”
The update also mentioned another GoFundMe campaign created by the Lumberton Township. The family expressed gratitude and encouraged donations to either fundraiser.
In response to the tragedy, Liberty Lake Day Camp has made their clinical social worker available for counseling those affected by the incident. The camp has also vowed to bolster their summer program with an increased focus on safety.
6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
For anyone needing mental health support, Care Solace is available 24/7 to connect individuals to verified providers in the community. They can be reached at 888-515-0595.
As the investigation continues, the Stewart family is left to mourn Michael’s untimely passing and seek answers about the circumstances that led to his untimely death.
“We’re going to do right by my son,” Enjoli asserted. “We’re going to make sure he has the fair arrangements. I need time to process and heal.”
Michael’s memory will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The community’s heartfelt gestures through fundraisers and memorials underline the profound impact Michael had during his brief yet remarkable life.