Published: May 21, 2008 05:59 pm            

ISP investigation into drowning completed

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The Illinois State Police has concluded an investigation into the drowning death of 14-year-old Javon Howard.

Howard, who was at the Rend Lake College Aquatic Center May 16 as part of an eighth-grade field trip from Casey Middle School, was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m. at Crossroads Community Hospital.

“The lifeguards did exactly what they were supposed to do when he was discovered,” ISP Master Sgt. Stan Diggs said. “He was pulled out by one of his classmates; that’s how his body was found. What I’m saying is once classmates brought out the body, the lifeguards and a samaritan acted appropriately.”

Diggs said he can’t comment on some details of the drowning because an investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health is still being conducted. The IDPH investigates any drowning death that happens in a public pool.

According to information from the college, Howard had been elbowed and checked by a lifeguard before being allowed to go back into the pool, where shortly afterward he was pulled from the water and given CPR. Jefferson County Coroner Dr. Richard Garretson said Tuesday after conducting an autopsy that the bump Howard received prior to the drowning was not connected with his death.

Diggs said the point of the investigation was to determine criminal negligence or malicious actions. According to information from the ISP, the investigation into Howard’s death revealed no evidence of foul play. Although no criminal intent has been shown, civil responsibility for Howard’s death has not been determined, which is not the responsibility of the ISP.

Memorial services for Howard will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Casey Middle School, and classes have been canceled for the day. The funeral will be held immediately following the memorial services.

A memorial fund for Howard has been set up at First State Bank of Dix in Mt. Vernon to help offset family expenses. Those who wish to contribute may send contributions to First State Bank of Dix, P.O. Box 1750, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864, or dropped off at the bank located at 900 S. 42nd St.

        

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