14-Year-Old Girl Dies After Drowning In Waterpark

A 14-year-old Ohio girl died by drowning after she was thrown from some sort of jumping apparatus at an amusement park in Middletown.

Mykiara Jones, an incoming freshman at Middletown High School, disappeared Tuesday, July 20, after she went underwater at the Land of Illusion’s Aqua Adventures Waterpark, the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office confirmed Wednesday morning.

Deputies from the Butler County Sheriff deputies responded to the waterpark at 8762 Thomas Road in Madison Township after receiving alerts of a juvenile drowning.

The emergency responders and the Land of Illusion lifeguards initiated a search operation and found the child’s body about 30 minutes later.

Jones was airlifted to the Dayton Children’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, the Dayton Daily News reported.

Madison Township Fire Chief, Kent Hall said it took about half an hour to locate the child because the waterpark is "a pond" and the water isn’t clear like that in a swimming pool.

"Mykiara was just a great student, and she was a great human being," middle school teacher Jennifer King said Wednesday afternoon. "I’m truly saddened this happened because she could have done anything she wanted in life."

"She just had a bubbly personality that was infectious," King added. "She always had a way of making people smile."

The child’s body was sent for an autopsy. A cause of death has yet to be determined as the results were being awaited. An investigation has been launched, authorities confirmed.

"This is a tragedy no parent should have to endure," Sheriff Richard Jones said. "These are the calls first responders dread and have difficulty dealing with."

Land of Illusion said in a Facebook post that it was "saddened to learn of the passing of a young girl" at the park.

"Out of respect for her and her family, and for our employees who are also dealing with this tragedy," the amusement park remained closed on Wednesday.

"We also send our deep appreciation to the team members and first responders who supported the rescue effort."

"We look forward to supporting and collaborating with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and other state and local officials as they continue their investigations following the tragedy," the park said in the post.