6-year-old recovering after near-drowning at D.C. summer soccer camp

Adonis Jackson remains in the ICU as his family seeks answers about the incident at a summer soccer camp.

Adonis Jackson, the Washington, D.C. 6-year-old whose near-drowning at a summer soccer camp has sparked questions about child safety and supervision, has been removed from a ventilator and is no longer sedated, nearly 10 days after he was found unresponsive at the bottom of a pool at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), according to family attorney Dominique Calhoun, via Fox5 DC.

Jackson remains in the pediatric intensive care unit, where his recovery is expected to take time. Calhoun said Adonis has experienced night terrors and episodes of delirium as he continues healing. “Day and night, the family is in awe of his courage as he confronts what no six-year-old should ever have to face,” Calhoun said.

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As reported by People, the incident happened on July 20 while Adonis Jackson attended a Nike Soccer Camp operating on UDC’s campus. According to police documents, about 30 children were in the pool when the incident occurred. Investigators have said no lifeguard was on duty at the time. The camp’s head coach pulled Adonis from the water and began CPR before emergency responders arrived. UDC previously placed several officials, including lifeguards on duty that day, on administrative leave while an investigation continues. The university has also temporarily reassigned oversight of its athletics department.

The Jackson family continues to seek answers about what happened. Calhoun said Adonis’ mother was initially told by a camp counselor that her son had simply “guzzled some water,” despite the seriousness of the incident. The family is also inviting supporters to send audio messages, prayers and words of encouragement to Adonis as he recovers. According to his attorney, loved ones play the recordings during difficult nights in the ICU to remind him he is not alone.

Every child deserves safe supervision while attending camps and recreational programs. As investigations continue, many families are watching this case closely because it raises broader questions about lifeguard staffing, emergency preparedness and accountability when children are placed in others’ care.