UDC places athletic director, lifeguards and aquatics manager on leave after camper’s near-drowning
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The university says the administrative leave is not disciplinary as it investigates how a 6-year-old camper was found underwater in its campus pool.
The University of the District of Columbia has placed its director of athletics, the lifeguards on duty at the time of a 6-year-old camper’s near-drowning and its aquatics manager on administrative leave. The UDC near-drowning investigation remains open, and the university said the action is not disciplinary or a finding of wrongdoing.
UDC President Maurice D. Edington announced the personnel decisions after the university completed a preliminary review of the July 20 incident. In a campus update sent to the university community, Edington said the temporary leave will allow officials to examine the circumstances fully and fairly while preserving the integrity of the investigation.
Dr. Ruthie Little-Berry, UDC’s chief student development and success officer, will oversee athletics operations and administrative matters while the director is away. The university said the temporary arrangement is intended to support student-athletes and staff while maintaining essential athletic programs and services.
The action follows the near-drowning of 6-year-old Adonis Jackson, who was attending a Nike Soccer Summer Camp that used UDC’s athletic complex. Adonis was found underwater in the university pool after campers were allowed to enter the water. A coach pulled him out and began emergency care before first responders transported him to a hospital.
Initial reporting cited a university police report stating that no lifeguard was on duty when Adonis was found. His family has continued seeking answers about how he entered the pool without proper supervision and who was responsible for monitoring the children.
UDC said its campus pool review will examine the actions, responsibilities, decision-making, oversight and compliance of every person and organization involved. The university has not announced when the investigation will be completed and said it cannot comment further on personnel matters or possible additional actions while the process remains open.
The pool will remain closed until the UDC near-drowning investigation and a related safety review are finished and university officials determine that reopening is appropriate.
UDC said it is committed to identifying necessary improvements, preventing a similar incident and prioritizing safety across its campus. UDC also expressed continued support for Adonis and his family and said it hopes he makes a full recovery.