A 9-year-old camper died after a medical emergency at a swimming facility in Henrico County.
HENRICO, Va. — A 9-year-old boy died after being pulled from a swimming pool at a summer camp operated by Swim RVA, prompting an investigation and an outpouring of grief from family members and the local community.
The child, identified by relatives as King, suffered a medical emergency Monday afternoon while attending camp activities at the facility on North Wilkinson Road. Camp staff began CPR and other lifesaving efforts before emergency responders arrived and transported him to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities have not released an official cause of death, and the Virginia medical examiner’s office is continuing its review of the case.
Police said officers were dispatched to the camp shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday following reports of a medical emergency involving a child in the water. According to officials, camp employees removed the boy from the pool and immediately started emergency care while waiting for first responders. Paramedics then took over treatment and transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite those efforts, the child did not survive. Investigators have not publicly described what happened in the moments leading up to the emergency, and authorities have not indicated whether any safety violations or operational issues have been identified. The timeline remains under review as investigators gather statements and examine available records connected to the incident.
Family members identified the child as King and shared photographs and memories of him in the days after his death. His mother, LaTaisha Johnson, said she was not ready to speak publicly in detail but described her son as a joyful child whose presence filled the lives of those around him. In a social media statement, Johnson wrote that “King was our everything” and said the loss had left the family devastated. She also recalled the final time she told her son she loved him, saying it occurred at 8:17 a.m. Monday before he left for the day. Officials have not released additional information about the circumstances of the emergency, and investigators have not said whether any witnesses observed what happened before staff intervened. Those unanswered questions remain central to the ongoing review.
The tragedy has renewed attention on water safety at camps and recreational facilities during the summer months, when large numbers of children participate in swimming activities. While officials have not connected this case to any broader safety concern, incidents involving children in pools often draw scrutiny of supervision practices, emergency response procedures and facility operations. Swim RVA is a well-known aquatic organization in the Richmond area and regularly hosts camps, lessons and competitive programs. In the wake of King’s death, the organization announced it would temporarily close the affected camp location as a sign of respect for the child and his family. The facility said it would remain closed through the end of the week while staff and participants process the loss.
Authorities said the investigation remains active. The chief medical examiner is working to determine the exact cause and manner of death, findings that could help clarify what occurred. Police have not announced any criminal investigation, charges or citations related to the incident. Officials are expected to continue reviewing witness accounts, emergency response records and any available documentation connected to camp operations that day. Swim RVA said it plans to provide grief counseling and support services for campers, families and staff members affected by the tragedy. Any additional findings from the medical examiner could take time, depending on the scope of testing and review required. Until that process is completed, many key details surrounding the emergency remain unknown.
The loss has resonated throughout the community, where friends, relatives and supporters have shared messages of sympathy for King’s family. Police Officer Mike Pfister described calls involving children as especially difficult for first responders. Pfister said such incidents are heartbreaking for families and emergency personnel alike. Community members have also expressed support for campers and staff who were present when the emergency unfolded. For many, the focus has remained on remembering King and supporting those closest to him. Family photographs released after his death show a smiling young boy whose relatives say brought energy and happiness wherever he went. As tributes continue to appear online, loved ones have emphasized their memories of his personality and the impact he had during his nine years of life.
Officials have not released a final determination on the cause of death. The medical examiner’s findings and any additional investigative updates are expected to provide the next significant developments in the case as the family, camp community and local authorities await answers.
Author note: Last updated June 18, 2026.