The first day at summer camp turned into an unimaginable nightmare for 6-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart, whose excitement quickly turned to heartbreak when he drowned at Liberty Lake Day Camp. His mother, Enjoli Stewart, expressed her frustration, revealing that Michael, a beginner swimmer, was supposed to be in an instructional swim class that never took place. Additionally, he was assigned a one-on-one aide who was supposed to be with him at all times.
Tragically, Michael was found unresponsive in shallow water by a lifeguard during the afternoon swim period. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His mother had just shared with a co-worker how excited Michael was for camp, even sleeping with his goggles on the night before. Moments later, she received the devastating phone call.
Michael’s tragic death has led to an investigation by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Mansfield Township police. The camp’s founder, Andy Pritikin, shared his condolences, expressing the grief felt by all at Liberty Lake Day Camp.
Michael, a fighter from birth, had overcome significant odds, surviving as a preemie, and was known for his bright personality and love for sports. A GoFundMe page has been created to help with expenses, and the community is rallying behind the Stewart family.
