Coroner: Dayton girl died from accidental drowning after being pulled from water at Land of Illusion

MIDDLETOWN — A Dayton teen who died after being pulled from the water at Land of Illusion’s died from an accidental drowning, Montgomery County Coroner Kent Harshbarger ruled.

Mykiara Jones, 14, of Dayton, died from the drowning at the water park in July.

>> Sheriff’s Office investigating ‘potential regulation violations’ at Land of Illusion

Jones was pulled from the water and flown by CareFlight medical helicopter to Dayton Children’s Hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital, a spokesperson for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said in a media release.

The girl had been in the water for about 30 minutes before she was spotted by a lifeguard and was pulled out by firefighters, the spokesperson said.

“This is a tragedy no parent should have to endure. These are the calls first responders dread and have difficulty dealing with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said in the release.

Land of Illusion issued a statement after Jones’ death.

“We prioritize guest safety and training for our team and diligently comply with all Ohio regulations governing the activities and offerings available at our Aqua Adventures Park,” a Land of Illusion spokesperson said. “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.”

Mykiara was a freshman at Middletown High School where her mother works in the district, Middletown City Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles said in a statement to district parents and community members.

“Mykiara Jones was a rising freshman at Middletown High School and we mourn for her family and friends. Mykiara’s mother works in our schools, so we will be wrapping our arms around her during this extremely difficult time,” Styles said.

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