Dayton teen dies in suspected drowning at Butler County waterpark

MADISON TWP., Butler County — A 14-year-old girl, identified as a Dayton resident and student in the Middletown City Schools district, died after a suspected drowning incident at a Butler County waterpark Tuesday, according to investigators.

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Emergency crews were called to Land of Illusion’s Aqua Adventures Waterpark near Middletown around 5 p.m. Tuesday on reports of a juvenile drowning.

Mykiara Jones, 14, of Dayton, was pulled from the water and flown by CareFlight medical helicopter to Dayton Children’s Hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital, a spokesperson for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said in a media release.

Jones’ cause and manner of death have not been officially ruled by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

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The girl had been in the water for about 30 minutes before she was spotted by a lifeguard and was pulled out by firefighters, the spokesperson said.

“This is a tragedy no parent should have to endure. These are the calls first responders dread and have difficulty dealing with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said in the release.

Mykaira was a freshman at Middletown High School where her mother works in the district, Middletown City Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles said in a statement to district parents and community members.

“Mykiara Jones was a rising freshman at Middletown High School and we mourn for her family and friends. Mykiara’s mother works in our schools, so we will be wrapping our arms around her during this extremely difficult time,” Styles said.

“Our district has experienced a lot of loss this past year and I want you to know we are here to help you in any way we can,” Styles added in the statement.

The waterpark will be closed Wednesday “out of respect for her and her family,” a statement on the Land of Illusion website reads.

“Land of Illusion is saddened to learn of the passing of a young girl at our Aqua Adventure Park yesterday (July 20). Out of respect for her and her family, and for our employees who are also dealing with this tragedy, Land of Illusion Aqua Adventure Park will be closed today,” the statement reads.

“We are fully supporting state and local officials as they investigate the incident. We would like to thank first responders and all those who participated in the rescue effort. We ask that you join us in sending thoughts and prayers and our deepest condolences to our guest’s family and friends, as well as to the team members and guests who were onsite last evening during this tragedy.”

This is a developing story and we’ll update this page as new details become available.

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