In a tragic incident over the Memorial Day weekend, two children of a Philadelphia mother were taken off life support on Sunday after they drowned in a pool during a holiday party in Gloucester, New Jersey, a suburb outside of Philadelphia. Brittney McWhite, the heartbroken mother, shared her story as a stern warning to all parents while she prepares to say her final goodbyes to her 11-year-old daughter, London Marie, and her 14-year-old son, Wadale.
Recounting the horrific series of events that led to the untimely deaths of her children, McWhite told FOX 29 Philadelphia, “They weren’t in there for more than like three or four minutes. They called their names…and when they jumped in, they were at the bottom of the pool.”
According to McWhite, London Marie and Wadale, who could swim, decided to play a game of Marco Polo in the pool. As a mother of six, McWhite had left them unattended while she was inside helping to prepare food, believing that her children were capable of swimming on their own.
The tragedy has left the family devastated, and McWhite is now using her heartbreaking experience to urge all parents to be vigilant when it comes to pool safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a fun summer activity can turn into a nightmare if proper precautions are not taken.
As the family mourns the loss of London Marie and Wadale, the community has rallied around them, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. The devastating incident has also sparked conversations about the importance of water safety education and the need for increased awareness about the risks associated with swimming pools, especially for children.
McWhite’s story is a powerful reminder that even when children are capable swimmers, constant supervision and vigilance are essential to prevent such tragedies from occurring. As summer approaches and more families spend time around pools, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize water safety and ensure that children are never left unattended near water, even for a brief moment.
The loss of London Marie and Wadale has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the McWhite family and the entire Philadelphia community. As they navigate through this unimaginable grief, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
