A summer adventure turned tragic when six-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart drowned on the first day of Liberty Lake Day Camp in Burlington County, New Jersey. Michael’s mother, Enjoli Stewart, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Liberty Lakes messed up. Big time. And now I don’t have a son anymore.”
The incident occurred during the afternoon swim period. Despite efforts by a lifeguard who administered CPR, Michael was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Enjoli, who had invested significantly in the camp, raised concerns about safety protocols, noting that Michael, a beginner swimmer, was meant to be in an instructional swim class that did not happen.Liberty Lake Day Camp founder Andy Pritikin expressed deep sorrow, saying, “All of us at Liberty Lake Day Camp are devastated and grieving over the tragic passing of our young camper.” The camp has pledged to enhance safety measures and continues to offer counseling through their clinical social worker.
In support of the Stewart family, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $32,000 to cover funeral and memorial expenses. Enjoli Stewart has vowed to ensure her son’s memory is honored, saying, “We’re going to do right by my son.”
