JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The grandmother of an 8-year-old boy who drowned in a Jacksonville family's pool gave a sobering reminder Monday for all parents to watch their children.
NaShawn Brooker drowned Saturday night in a pool outside a cousin's home in Panama Park. Investigators said he'd been underwater for several minutes before rescue crews arrived.
NaShawn was rushed to the hospital, but couldn't be revived.
"It happened so suddenly. I am sad for everybody," said Martha Ann Maner, the boy's grandmother. "It's hard for all of us."
Maner said several adults were outside when NaShawn and the other children were near the pool. She said she went inside to use the restroom, but other adults remained outside. At some point, the other children came inside and said NaShawn was still in the pool.
That's when the adults found the boy in the water.
"Be careful with your kids at the pool," Brooker said, hoping to prevent future tragedies. "Make sure somebody is there to watch them."
NaShawn will be laid to rest Aug. 18. He is the fifth child to down in Jacksonville in 2018.