A mother from north-central Alabama is bereaved following the tragic drowning of her two young children during a family outing. Lolisa Hood has shared her heartache after losing her 12-year-old son, King Gotti Scott, and 10-year-old daughter, Lola Marie Scott, in a creek incident this past Saturday, May 30.
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The family had initially planned a trip to a water park, but those arrangements fell through, prompting the children to suggest they visit a creek that their mother had previously mentioned. In an effort to salvage the day, Hood took them to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, ensuring they were aware of safety regulations before letting them play in the shallow waters.
Regrettably, the family’s fun took a devastating turn when the three children wandered into deeper water. Instead of heading back towards the bank, King, Lola, and their older brother Bryan inadvertently moved into an area where the creek depth exceeded eight feet. Witnessing this turn of events, Hood was able to rescue her 14-year-old son while unsuccessfully trying to reach the younger siblings.
In her desperation, Hood called emergency services and sought assistance from onlookers. Despite the efforts made by both bystanders and first responders, the tragedy escalated quickly, with authorities arriving on the scene shortly after the alarm was raised.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 4 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, they found the siblings had already gone under the water. Rescue teams rushed them to a children’s hospital in Birmingham, but despite resuscitation attempts, King was pronounced dead shortly after 5:15 p.m., with Lola following two minutes later, as confirmed by Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, Hood spoke to local news outlet AL.com about her deep sorrow. “They were precious children,” she stated, reflecting on her loss and expressing her unwavering love for them. She recounted the chaotic minutes after the tragic incident, which felt agonisingly long as she attempted to save her children.
In addition to her public statements, Hood expressed her grief on social media, sharing a poignant message that touched many hearts. She wrote, “Mama is so sorry, King & Lola,” and offered her gratitude for being their mother.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support the Hood family during this distressing time. In her message on the fundraising page, Hood recounted her desperate struggle to save her children, while also expressing her gratitude for being able to save her surviving son, Bryan. “This is a pain no mother should ever have to endure,” she lamented, highlighting the difficulty of navigating the loss of two children whilst caring for her surviving child.
As an investigation begins into the circumstances leading to the drowning, Hood is firmly in the public eye with calls for support and prayers as she grieves the unimaginable loss of her beloved children. Community members and friends have rallied around her, seeking to provide comfort and assistance during this profoundly challenging period.
This tragic incident has propelled discussions surrounding water safety, particularly in natural swimming environments. Families are being reminded of the importance of vigilance when supervising children during water activities, especially in areas with varying depths.
Lolisa Hood’s heart-wrenching experience serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. As the family grapples with their profound sorrow, the local community stands in solidarity, offering condolences and support in the face of this harrowing tragedy.