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NAPPANEE — The boy who drowned Tuesday at the Nappanee Public Pool has died.
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit was advised that Kymani Collier, 10, of Goshen, died early Thursday morning. The St. Joseph County coroner confirmed that at approximately 4:15 a.m. Thursday, Collier was declared dead, according to a news release from the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Collier had been participating in a free swim day at the Nappanee public pool on Tuesday at Stauffer Park.
The boy went under the water at around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at the pool when lifeguards retrieved him and performed CPR, according to WNDU Channel 16.
The homicide unit generally investigates child deaths in Elkhart County, the release states, and responded shortly after the initial call that Collier had drowned at the pool.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the incident should call 574-296-1888 or 574-295-2825.
The pool is temporarily closed following the drowning, according to a previous news release from the city of Nappanee.
“The safety and well-being of our community members and guests are of utmost importance. We are and have been fully cooperating with authorities during their investigation. Additionally, we have launched our own internal review of the situation,” the news release from the city of Nappanee stated.
Mayor Phil Jenkins previously issued a statement, saying, "Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this incident. We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event and are fully committed to working with everyone affected by this tragedy."
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and can be found under “Help my sister during this excruciating time.”
The page, established by Sara Ladig, Collier’s aunt, states, “On July 4, 2023, my nephew Kymani had drowned in a public pool. The life guards didn't hear her 2nd child, Keyon as he yelled for help. By the time someone finally noticed, it was too late. Kymani was taken to Elkhart General then life flighted to South Bend Memorial where my sister and mother sit in distraught as Kymani is removed from life support. He no longer had any brain activity. He was born July 9, 2012. His 11th birthday is in 5 days. This is an extremely hard time for our family and especially for my sister. I'm trying to help her be prepared for upcoming expenses that are sure to come for funeral and hospital. Please share. And keep my sister and our family deep on your thoughts and prayers, for he is and will forever be loved by all. Thank you.”
An update adds that he died Thursday. For anyone wanting to attend, the family is having a celebration of life at Waubee Lake in Milford on July 9, Collier’s 11th birthday, at 2 p.m. The celebration of life is a potluck with people encouraged to bring their own drinks (no alcohol or pets) and maybe some snacks.
One of the boy’s favorite places to be was at Waubee Lake, the update states. “If you have them, bring your best memories and stories to share.”
