13-year-old boy pulled from pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort on Sunday, dies

A 13-year-old boy that was pulled from a swimming pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort on Sunday, March  10, 2013, has died. The boy was in critical condition on the morning of Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, but has since died. Anthony Johnson was on vacation with his family from Missouri.

Witnesses say that the boy was playing in the Hippy Dippy pool with relatives late on Sunday evening, around 9:30 p.m. EST, when he disappeared under the water.

The cousin of the boy pulled him out, and the child’s father performed CPR immediately. Bystanders also did the same. An off-duty firefighter was also around the pool and helped in trying to save Johnson. He did not drown on the scene.

Some reports are coming out that state lifeguards are not on duty at Disney Resort pools, but that isn’t true.

Lifeguards were on duty at the Pop Century pool from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.. with then signs posted advising guests swim at their own risk, Disney spokeswoman Marilyn Waters said.

“We are saddened by Anthony Johnson’s passing and our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones. We have reached out to his family to offer care and assistance during this difficult time,” the company said in a statement.

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