12-year-old dies three weeks after Richland swimming accident at Howard Amon Park
A 12-year-old Richland girl has died three weeks after a swimming accident at Howard Amon Park.
Mark Pfeifer shared the news through KEPR TV that his daughter Lily died Friday at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.
Lily was with two friends June 19 when she jumped off a dock into the Columbia River shortly after 4:30 p.m. They were in a designated swimming area but she disappeared under the water, according to a GoFundMe organized by Kyle Tole for the family.
People in the area found her after several minutes and brought her to shore where they were met by Richland medics who performed CPR.
Her father reported on July 1 that her body began shutting down, and they were gathering family so they could say their goodbyes.
“I am so blessed to have had the chance to be Lily’s dad,” he wrote. “She is an amazing girl. So kind and selfless. So sweet and loving.”
He described her as a special and unique girl who loved to bake and was an artist.
The community members have supported Pfeifer’s family through the GoFundMe, donating more than $22,000.
“We cannot express how grateful we have been for the outpouring of support from all of you,” he said. “Thank you all again so much. God bless you all.”