Adonis Jackson, 6, is no longer sedated and is breathing independently nine days after he nearly drowned on July 20 at a summer camp held on the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) campus. His family attorney, Dominique Calhoun, stated that Jackson remains in the pediatric Intensive Care Unit as he continues his recovery.
"The toll is evident — he has been experiencing night terrors and episodes of delirium — and the road ahead remains uncertain," Calhoun said.
According to police documents, the incident occurred while Jackson and approximately 30 other children were in a UDC pool. Authorities reported that the on-duty lifeguard had stepped away for a lunch break when the emergency unfolded. The camp's head coach was able to retrieve Jackson from the water and immediately administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Jackson's mother was informed of the incident by a camp counselor who described it as the boy having "guzzled some water," a message she initially interpreted as a minor accident, Calhoun told WTTG.
UDC President Maurice Edington announced in a letter to the community that multiple staff members from the athletics and aquatics department have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Edington clarified that this action is not disciplinary and does not imply wrongdoing, but is intended to preserve the integrity of the review process. The campus pool will remain closed until the investigation and a safety review are complete.
US Sports Camps, which advertises the camp, released a statement expressing awareness of the incident and solidarity with the child and his family. The organization noted that the camp is operated by FourSoccer, an independent entity, and that they are in communication with them and relevant authorities as the situation is reviewed. US Sports Camps stated they could not comment on specifics at this time.
It is currently unclear if Jackson's family has filed a lawsuit, but they are seeking accountability for the circumstances surrounding their son's near-drowning. Calhoun's legal office has been contacted for further comment.