The first day of summer camp for 6-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart, who was eagerly anticipating the adventure, turned into an unforeseen tragedy. The young boy tragically lost his life to drowning, casting a shadow of concern over the safety protocols at Liberty Lake Day Camp.
Michael’s devastated mother, Enjoli Stewart, expressed her deep frustration with the camp’s handling of the events. She mentioned that her son, a novice swimmer, was meant to attend a guided swimming lesson that, unfortunately, did not take place. Enjoli also highlighted that Michael had been allocated a personal aide to be with him constantly, yet this precaution was not fulfilled.
Feeling let down by the camp’s safety procedures, Enjoli suggested that the pool where Michael lost his life should have been closed for at least 24 to 48 hours out of respect for his memory. However, the camp continued its schedule, reassuring families that the safety and welfare of everyone present remain their highest priority.
Michael’s lifeless body was discovered in the shallow section of the camp’s pool by a lifeguard during the afternoon session meant for first and second-grade campers.
Despite best efforts to save him, Michael was declared deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
Enjoli was in the midst of telling a coworker how thrilled Michael had been for camp, remembering how he even slept with his goggles on in anticipation. It was at that moment her phone rang, delivering the heartbreaking news urging her to rush to the hospital in Mount Holly-Virtua.
Officials from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Mansfield Township police have launched an investigation into this tragic event. An autopsy was performed by the Burlington County medical examiner earlier this week.
Michael was excited about spending a few weeks at camp, with his mother investing thousands to ensure he experienced the best summer possible. “I did everything I could to ensure he was in the right school and the right camp,” Enjoli shared with FOX 29.
Michael overcame many challenges from the start, arriving prematurely into the world at 23 weeks, weighing merely one pound and three ounces. Despite doctors’ grim initial outlook, he defied the odds and blossomed into a loving and compassionate young boy.
“He taught me how to fight without using my hands,” Enjoli lovingly recalled. “Michael showed me how to tackle life’s battles with resilience and grace.”
Michael, who attended first grade, had a zest for life, enjoying basketball and baseball, particularly with his younger sister, Layla. He was not only bright but was cherished by those who knew him.
Andy Pritikin, founder of Liberty Lake Day Camp, publicly shared his sorrow over the incident, “We are all heartbroken over Michael’s untimely passing. This senseless tragedy claimed a young life too soon. Words fall short in expressing the depth of our mourning.”
A GoFundMe page has been established by a friend of the family, alongside community efforts to organize a lemonade stand—a tribute to Michael’s love for selling lemonade to his neighbors—to assist with related expenses.
