6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp He Was Eagerly Anticipating
ArchiveFirst published June 27, 2024. It may not reflect later developments.
A tragic incident occurred at Liberty Lake Day Camp in New Jersey, where six-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart drowned on his first day. His mother, Enjoli Stewart, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Liberty Lakes messed up. Big time. And now I don’t have a son anymore.” Michael had been excited about camp, which Enjoli had meticulously chosen and spent thousands on.
The drowning happened during the afternoon swim session. Despite lifeguards’ CPR efforts, Michael was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Born prematurely, Michael had defied odds to become a bright, loving boy. Enjoli described him as “extremely smart,” with a fondness for learning and playing with his younger sister, Layla.
Camp founder Andy Pritikin expressed the camp’s grief, saying, “This senseless tragedy took a life that was far too young.” Enjoli raised concerns about the camp’s safety protocols, noting that Michael, a beginner swimmer, was supposed to have a one-on-one aide.
Support for the family includes a lemonade stand fundraiser and a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $32,000. Michael is remembered for his kindness and the joy he brought to his family and community.
