A New Jersey couple is grappling with immense grief after their 3-year-old son, Elijah Shevlin, drowned in their backyard pool on Saturday. The parents, who have two autistic sons, had taken what they described as every possible precaution to secure their home against pool access.
Elijah was discovered unresponsive in the pool by his father, Michael Stephen, who immediately began life-saving measures. First responders arrived within minutes, and while they managed to revive Elijah's heartbeat, doctors later informed the family that the swelling in his brain would prevent him from ever having a high quality of life.
"As a parent, you feel like you failed them, you feel like you didn't protect them, but we literally did everything, and it's such a freak accident that no parent should go through," Sandi Shelvin, Elijah's mother, told WPVI, an ABC affiliate. The family was interviewed from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Stephen described the loss as "the worst feeling you could ever possibly imagine." The family was spending Elijah's final moments with him on Thursday and decided to proceed with organ donation to help save other children's lives.
"I truly believe this was his calling. This was what he was meant to do. He was meant to save lives. He was meant to spread goodness," Shelvin added.
Elijah also leaves behind a twin sister and a brother, both of whom have autism. Stephen recounted that his daughter was the one who alerted him to the danger, saying "Pool." He later wrote, "I see the back door has been opened and my heart sinks. I wasn't fast enough. I failed. And I will spend everyday of my life replaying that."
Stephen remembered his son as a "sweet and gentle soul" who enjoyed cuddling and watching movies. Shelvin described Elijah as "pure and angelic," recalling his frequent smiles, laughter, and giggles.
A family friend has established a GoFundMe campaign to support Elijah's parents and siblings during this difficult period. The fundraiser's description notes that both Stephen, a veteran and police officer, and Shelvin, an elementary school teacher, have a history of helping others through their professions and community involvement.
Proceeds from the fundraiser are intended to assist the family with therapy and specialized assistance for Elijah's siblings, Ella and Mickey. "Eli was known for his gentle soul, huge smile, big blue eyes, and ultimate cuddles — he brought so much joy and warmth to everyone around him," the description states. "He is loved by so many alongside his siblings and parents, who are navigating a time of grief and uncertainty. The emotional and practical challenges are overwhelming, and we are reaching out for support to help them through this difficult journey."