Manager of Land of Illusion water park writes open letter after teen’s death

MADISON TWP., Butler County — As the investigation continues into the suspected drowning of a 14-year-old girl at a Butler County water park, the manager of the park penned an open letter addressed to patrons and the community on topics of safety, support, and the investigation into the July 20 incident.

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The letter was posted on the park’s website following the death of Mykiara Jones, 14, of Dayton, in a suspected drowning at the water park. In the days after the teen’s death, a spokesperson for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said the department had been “inundated with complaints towards” the park.

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After a few statements were issued by a park spokesperson, the manager of the water park said he wanted to write an open letter “to address some of the confusion and concerns that understandably exist.”

“That a young child lost her life on July 20, 2021, at the Land of Illusion Adventure Park is devastating. All of us who work there grieve with the family and offer our prayers for strength at this time of unimaginable loss and pain,” Ryan Perry, Manager of the Land of Illusion Adventure Park said in the letter.

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Perry said the park has been cooperating with local and state investigators in the aftermath of the girl’s death, but have not communicated other specific details to the public out of respect for Jones’ family.

Perry outlined portions of the park’s safety plan, saying first the park was founded by a volunteer Madison Twp. firefighter who opened the park as a fundraiser for the department.

“I share this because we prioritize issues regarding the safety of our guests and our employees. Extensive training and daily equipment checks are mandatory,” he said.

“Not only does our park satisfy all applicable regulations, we go above and beyond because of our commitment to safety. All park equipment in operation and available to guests also satisfies all applicable regulations.”

Perry said the park has invested in specified rescue equipment like a swim chair designed for lake water rescue, but also has an AED defibrillator and Coast Guard-approved life jackets for patrons of the park.

“We put extensive rules and requirements in place at Aqua Adventures Park for the safety of our guests. They are provided upon entry and posted in the park. We devote extensive time, training and resources to limit risk to our visitors.”

Perry revealed in the letter the July 20 incident not happen near the park’s water inflatables or its Wibit apparatus.

“Our entire team grieves with the family and you and is deeply saddened by the awful tragedy that prompted this letter. Land of Illusion will continue to work with all appropriate officials throughout their investigations. We remain committed to being a fun and safe family destination.”

Jones had been in the water for about 30 minutes before she was spotted by a lifeguard and was pulled out by firefighters. She was flown to Dayton Children’s Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said was planning on contacting agencies outside the sheriff’s office to assist with the investigation into the teen’s death.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.

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