Closing of Lake at KOA Campground Following Drowning Incident
Monroe, Michigan – In the wake of a tragic drowning incident that claimed the life of an 18-year-old, the lake at a popular KOA Campground has been permanently closed. The decision comes just days after the unfortunate incident occurred, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The KOA Campground, located in Monroe Toledo, had been a popular destination for families seeking outdoor recreational activities. However, the recent drowning incident has prompted the management to take immediate action. In a statement released on their social media platforms and website, KOA announced the permanent closure of the swimming lake, effective immediately.
For the father of a near-drowning survivor, the closure of the lake is a long-awaited development. Dave Snook, whose teenage son narrowly escaped death in the same waters two years ago, expressed both relief and excitement at the news. “It’s a good first step,” Snook exclaimed, grateful that his relentless efforts to raise awareness about the lake’s safety issues have finally paid off.
Snook’s son, Andy, had gone swimming in the lake when he unexpectedly stayed submerged underwater for a terrifying 20 minutes. The incident left him with permanent damage, requiring round-the-clock care for his survival. Snook hopes that the closure of the lake will prevent further tragedies and spare other families the pain and hardships they have endured.
Tragically, the drowning incidents at the KOA Campground did not stop with Snook’s son. In 2022, another teenager, Jaylen Hill, lost his life in the same waters. This year, the campground suffered another heartbreaking loss when 18-year-old Anthony Shores from Ohio also drowned in the lake.
The closure of the swimming area was accompanied by a visible effort to ensure safety on-site. SKYFox captured footage of fire trucks working diligently to empty the lake, a move that Snook sees as a significant step in acknowledging the severity of the situation. “For them to go in with fire trucks and start immediately, it’s a big deal,” Snook stated. “They finally realized maybe it’s not a good idea to have this available.”
While the closure marks progress, Snook is currently involved in a civil suit seeking accountability from the KOA Campground. Responsible for the round-the-clock care his son requires, Snook’s family faces significant financial strain. They have set up a GoFundMe page to alleviate some of the burden, but Snook also hopes that KOA will take responsibility for the incidents that occurred.
In addition to seeking justice, Snook aims to keep the memory of the victims alive and their legacies intact. He believes it is crucial to make sure the efforts and fight for safety are not in vain. Snook suggests that rather than going out of business, KOA should consider alternatives such as constructing a pool with trained lifeguards or expanding the campgrounds to replace the closed lake.
The permanent closure of the lake at KOA Campground serves as a pivotal moment for the local community and a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety. As the legal proceedings continue, Snook remains hopeful that his actions will bring about meaningful change and prevent further tragedy at this beloved recreational destination.