A 9-year-old boy died over the weekend of an apparent drowning at a swimming facility in North Mankato.
Abdirahman Abdullahi of North Mankato was pulled from the water by lifeguards and given CPR to resuscitate him, but they were unsuccessful. Emergency responders were called to the Spring Lake Park Swim Facility, arrived at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, and quickly transported him to Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato. He later died and was identified by police.
The facility has been closed and will remain closed for the time being as officials review their safety procedures.
"Staff responded immediately and appropriately to the incident, using their training to render aid to the boy and ensure the safety of other guests," says Katie Heintz via the swim facility’s FaceBook. "However, out of an abundance of caution we want to complete a review of the incident before reopening the facility."
In a statement, North Mankato City Administrator John Harrenstein said there were 18 trained lifeguards and six other staff members on hand when Abdullahi drowned. He said an estimated 600 people were in the pool, which has a capacity of 1,200 swimmers.
“We are devastated by this accident and send our thoughts and prayers to the young man’s family," Harrenstein said.
