What started as an exciting summer adventure for young Michael Stewart ended in tragedy. This incident has raised serious concerns about the camp’s safety measures and has led to a full investigation.
On Monday, at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Burlington County, New Jersey, six-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart drowned on his very first day of camp. This heartbreaking news has left Michael’s family in deep grief and has shocked the whole community.
Michael’s mother, Enjoli Stewart, shared her deep sadness and frustration 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 been looking forward to his first day at the camp, not knowing it would be his last. He was set to attend the camp for several weeks, and Enjoli had spent thousands of dollars to ensure he had the best experience. She said:
“I did everything I could to make sure he was placed in the right school and the right camp.”
The incident happened during the afternoon swim period for campers who were entering first and second grades.
Camp officials reported that a lifeguard found Michael unresponsive in a shallow pool. The lifeguard quickly pulled him out of the water and tried to perform CPR.
Despite the attempts to save him, Michael was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day.
Michael’s life was a fight from the beginning. Born as a micro-preemie at just 23 weeks and weighing only one pound and three ounces, doctors had not expected him to survive.
Despite the odds, Michael defied expectations with his mother’s relentless advocacy and unwavering faith. He grew into a bright, loving, and caring boy whose resilience and passion for learning won the hearts of everyone who knew 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 especially close to his younger sister, Layla. They enjoyed playing basketball and baseball together. Enjoli described her son as “extremely smart,” with an impressive vocabulary.
Enjoli described Michael as a curious child who loved learning new things. He was excited about starting piano classes, which were next on his summer to-do list.
Liberty Lake Day Camp, which had just opened for the summer on the day of the incident, expressed their 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.”
Michael’s mother was talking to a coworker about her son’s excitement for the camp when she received the heartbreaking news.
“Someone asked me how my day was going, and I told them about Michael and how he fell asleep the night before with his goggles on,” she said. “He was so excited about swimming, and then my phone rang. I was told I needed to rush to Mount Holly-Virtua.”
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Mansfield Township police are investigating the incident. An autopsy was conducted on Tuesday by the Burlington County medical examiner.
Enjoli has raised concerns about the camp’s safety protocols. She noted that Michael, a beginner swimmer, was supposed to be in an instructional swim class, but it did not take place.
She also pointed out that Michael was assigned a one-on-one aide who was meant to be with him at all times. However, that aide is still employed at the camp.
Pritikin acknowledged that typically, staff members do not conduct instructional swim classes on the first day of camp.
The camp employs 25 lifeguards certified in first aid, CPR, and the use of AEDs, as well as three registered nurses.
Despite these measures, Enjoli believes more should have been done to prevent her son’s death. She suggested that, out of respect for her family, the camp should have closed the pool for 24 to 48 hours following the incident.
However, Pritikin stated that experts advised continuing camp activities, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of campers and staff are their top priorities.
Michael was a rising first-grade student in the Lumberton School District. The district released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the Stewart family.
In support of the family, a lemonade stand fundraiser will be held at the Old Fire House on Main Street in Lumberton on Saturday. This event is especially meaningful because Michael loved making lemonade and hosting lemonade stands in his neighborhood.
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the Stewart family with funeral and memorial expenses. The campaign highlights Michael’s remarkable journey, from his premature birth to his joyful life.
Michael was a rising first-grade student in the Lumberton School District. The district released a statement offering their deepest condolences to the Stewart family.
To support the family, a lemonade stand fundraiser will be held at the Old Fire House on Main Street in Lumberton on Saturday. This event is especially meaningful because Michael loved making lemonade and hosting lemonade stands in his neighborhood.
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the Stewart family with funeral and memorial expenses. The campaign highlights Michael’s remarkable journey from his premature birth to his joyful life.
The campaign organizer shared how doctors initially gave Michael little chance of survival. “Michael’s mother refused to believe that, and with every ounce of her strength, advocacy, and faith, fought for his life,” the campaign states.
Seeing Michael grow into a wonderful little boy filled Enjoli’s heart with joy. Unfortunately, that joy was cut short. Michael is remembered for his kindness and his heart of gold.
Not only was Michael a loving presence for his mother and younger sister, but he also touched the lives of everyone around him.
“The family is in need of a lot of support at this time, as you can imagine,” the GoFundMe campaign states. “We are asking for your help in raising money for Michael Jeffrey and his family so that he can be given the funeral and memorial services that he deserves to honor his life. Anything you can give to the family is much appreciated.”
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The update also mentioned another GoFundMe campaign started by Lumberton Township in response to the tragedy.
The Stewart family expressed their gratitude for this additional support and encouraged people to contribute to any of the fundraising campaigns.
In response to the incident, Liberty Lake Day Camp has made its clinical social worker available for counseling to those affected. The camp has also pledged to continue its summer program with a heightened emphasis on safety measures.
Netflix Series Declared ‘The Ultimate Show’ by Fans
Enthusiastic viewers are raving about a Netflix series, describing it as the ‘finest show they’ve ever watched,’ with many unable to resist revisiting it repeatedly.
The series has earned widespread acclaim, with fans praising its captivating storytelling and remarkable performances. Many have been binge-watching all five seasons, unable to get enough.
From the very first episode, viewers were hooked. One fan shared: “It’s the most exceptional show in recent years: packed with action, authenticity, drama, deception, love, and suspense… it encompasses all the elements to keep you engrossed. The lead cast’s performance is exceptional!”
Another viewer declared: “This is one of the greatest series I’ve ever watched. A profoundly impactful show. I adored it. The acting was outstanding. I recommend this series to everyone.”
A third fan added: “A friend recommended this series to me, and I must say it was worth it. As I started watching, I grew increasingly curious about what will unfold next. It’s truly engrossing.”
A fourth comment read: “I adore this show. I’ve been following it since Season 1 and have never been let down – astounding performances by the actors.”
A fifth fan wrote: “It’s my preferred television show. Crafty, scheming, and brilliant characters. Unforeseeable. Sufficient twists, turns, and side stories to hold your attention.”
The series was brought to life by director Joshua John Miller and writer M.A. Fortin, who collaborated to create this acclaimed show.
This American crime drama is adapted from the Spanish-language telenovela “La Reina del Sur,” itself based on a novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The lead role is portrayed by Brazilian actress Alice Braga, known for her work in “Dark Matter” and “I Am Legend.” She stars alongside Peter Gadiot and Mexican actress Veronica Falcón.
The original series, which aired on USA Network, holds an impressive score of 8/10 on IMDb and 68% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show’s synopsis reads: “Teresa escapes Mexico after the death of her drug-running partner. Upon settling in Dallas, she aims to become the country’s top drug smuggler and seek retribution for her lover’s murder.”
The critically acclaimed series draws inspiration from the novel “La Reina del Sur,” which is based on the real-life story of female drug kingpin Marllory Chacón. Known as the “Queen of the South” by Guatemalan media, Chacón turned herself in to U.S. authorities in 2014.
While the series first premiered in 2016, it continues to attract new fans who eagerly immerse themselves in its five seasons.
Lead actress Braga spoke to Forbes about the importance of the show’s representation: “It’s crucial to have Latinos in front of the camera because… when they watch the show, they can identify with it.”
She added: “There’s a vast Latino community, but if we lack Latinos in the director’s chair, in the writing room, in the decision-making spaces, such as executive producers, then we miss out on certain narratives told from that perspective.”
Despite its devoted fanbase, “Queen of the South” concluded after its fifth season. This decision came as USA Network shifted its focus away from original productions.
Fortunately, viewers can still stream the entire series on Netflix.
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