MIDDLETOWN — A 14-year-old girl who died in a suspected drowning at the Land of Illusion water park in Middletown was laid to rest Tuesday.
Mykiara Jones was pulled from the water at the water park on July 20. Visitation was scheduled at the Community Harvest Church at 6970 Weaver Road from 11 a.m. to noon. Funeral services followed.
Jones had been in the water for about 30 minutes before she was spotted by a lifeguard and was pulled out by firefighters. She was flown to Dayton Children’s Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
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Her death brought prompted the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to be “inundated with complaints towards” the water park, Sheriff Richard Jones said.
“There are a wide range of complaints insinuating the Aqua Adventures Park has violated various regulations,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “The complaints allege the park does not have certified life guards, life vest rules are not enforced and no rescue equipment is readily available, among others.”
Land of Illusion said its committed to providing a safe and fun recreation spot, with its manager releasing a letter to the community over the weekend.
“That a young child lost her life on July 20, 2021, at the Land of Illusion Adventure Park is devastating. All of us who work there grieve with the family and offer our prayers for strength at this time of unimaginable loss and pain,” Ryan Perry, Manager of the Land of Illusion Adventure Park said in the letter.
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Perry said the park has been cooperating with local and state investigators in the aftermath of the girl’s death, but have not communicated other specific details to the public out of respect for Jones’ family.
Perry outlined portions of the park’s safety plan, saying first the park was founded by a volunteer Madison Twp. firefighter who opened the park as a fundraiser for the department.
“I share this because we prioritize issues regarding the safety of our guests and our employees. Extensive training and daily equipment checks are mandatory,” he said.
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“Not only does our park satisfy all applicable regulations, we go above and beyond because of our commitment to safety. All park equipment in operation and available to guests also satisfies all applicable regulations.”
Perry said the park has invested in specified rescue equipment like a swim chair designed for lake water rescue, but also has an AED defibrillator and Coast Guard-approved life jackets for patrons of the park.
“We put extensive rules and requirements in place at Aqua Adventures Park for the safety of our guests. They are provided upon entry and posted in the park. We devote extensive time, training and resources to limit risk to our visitors.”
Perry revealed in the letter the July 20 incident not happen near the park’s water inflatables or its Wibit apparatus.
“Our entire team grieves with the family and you and is deeply saddened by the awful tragedy that prompted this letter. Land of Illusion will continue to work with all appropriate officials throughout their investigations. We remain committed to being a fun and safe family destination.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said his office is ready to assist the Butler County Sheriff’s Office with its investigation.
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