9-Year-Old Boy Dies After Swimming at Summer Camp

Tragedy has struck a Virginia community following the untimely death of a nine-year-old boy, identified as King Overton, who became unresponsive during a swim class at a summer camp. Swim RVA, the organisation behind the camp, confirmed the incident which occurred earlier this week.

The unfortunate event unfolded on Monday, June 15, when camp staff noticed that King was not responding after being removed from the pool around 2:30 p.m. Despite immediate CPR attempts by the staff, it was not enough to save the young boy. Emergency services were called to the scene on N. Wilkinson Road shortly after, and King was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

King’s mother, LaTaisha Johnson, spoke about her son with overwhelming love and sorrow. She described him as “the smallest kid with the biggest heart” and shared her final exchange with him that morning, stating, “I told my son I love him the most for the very last time.” The family has expressed their deep grief, highlighting that King was “the love of our lives,” and the pain of his loss is beyond description.

In a statement released by Swim RVA, the organisation expressed their sadness over the incident, stating, “Our hearts are with the child’s family and loved ones during this loss.” They are also collaborating fully with the police as an investigation into the circumstances leading to King’s death begins.

The local Henrico County Division of Fire has issued a statement confirming their role in responding to the medical emergency. They found King unresponsive after he had been pulled from the water and initiated treatment before his transport to the hospital.

In light of this tragic event, Henrico Police and Fire officials have reiterated the importance of water safety for individuals of all ages. They are promoting the “Splash Smart Henrico!” initiative, which aims to educate the community on water safety basics and available resources. A water safety event is scheduled for July 18, 2026, at the Henrico County Eastern Recreation Center as part of these efforts.

As the community mourns, many have reached out to support King’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Emotional tributes have been shared across social media, with friends and neighbours reflecting on King’s vibrant spirit.

Swim RVA has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. They emphasised the need for heightened awareness surrounding swimming safety, particularly for children attending summer camps, where water-related activities are a major component.

The loss of King Overton serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance around water, not only for children but also for their guardians and educators. The community continues to come together to honour his memory while advocating for water safety and enhancing preventive measures in recreational environments.