LUMBERTON – A boy who drowned at a summer camp in Burlington County "just had a heart of gold," says a fund-raising appeal on behalf of the child's family.
The child, Michael Jeffrey Stewart, died Monday after being found unresponsive in a pool at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Mansfield.
"He was born as a Micropreemie at 23 weeks and doctors did not expect him to survive," says a GoFundMe appeal launched by Kayla Ogletree of Lumberton.
But Michael “defied the odds and continued to grow into a very intelligent, loving, caring, sweet boy," her account notes.
It also says Michael "had a love of learning" and "a fascination with large vocabulary words."
Safety tips: How to keep swimming in the pool safe and fun
It describes him as a protector for his mother, Enjoli Stewart, and a little sister, Layla.
The appeal also notes a lemonade-stand fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 29, for Michael, who had a fondness for the beverage.
It will take place from noon to 3 p.m. outside the former firehouse at 561 Main St., Lumberton. It's being sponsored by a local group, Return Kindness.
A local police union, FOP Lodge 201, also has started a GoFundMe to help the boy's family.
The union says it "mourns the loss of such a young and inspiring life. Our prayers are with the Stewart family in this time of grief.”
It notes an area restaurant, Johnny Longhots on Route 38 in Hainesport, will donate a portion of it sales to the Stewart family.
Through Sunday, June 30, customers can mention “Lumberton Strong” at the restaurant to take part in the effort.
A Liberty Lake representative has not responded to requests for comment about the drowning, which happened on the summer camp' opening day.
The camp's website and social media platforms do not mention the tragedy. Its response to the tragedy has prompted sharp criticism from some on social media.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Drowning victim, 6, recalled as 'loving, caring, sweet'
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