Rec center unsure how child got into closed pool

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The recreation center where a young boy snuck into a pool and drowned says it still doesn’t know how the child got into the water.

David Fyfe, 11, his 8-year-old step brother and an 11-year-old friend went to the Considine Little Rock Family Recreation Center Saturday morning for a swim.

The boys were told the pool was closed that day, so instead they agreed to play basketball. After a few minutes on the court, they went missing.

The boy’s father, Dennis Fyfe, says the children, who were wearing swim shorts, took a shower in the boys locker room and went into the pool.

The recreation center, which is operated by neighboring Historic Little Rock Baptist Church, says it doesn’t know how the children got through locked doors.

“We’re still investigating,” said Reverend Jim Holley. “We’re still trying to figure out how because it’s locked down. It’s locked from the back to the front. We just don’t know how they got in.”

The victim’s family says the 8-year-old boy went to get help, first asking for it at the recreation center, but later running a mile home.

“He went upstairs and told them his brother was in the swimming pool. They said, ‘No, today is not a swimming day. Go home,’” Dennis Fyfe told 7 Action News. 

“That is not true,” said Holley. “There is no one that was asked for help. The young men ran, maybe out of fear or nervousness, I don’t know. But no one asked for help.”

When asked who he believed, Fyfe said he believed the 8-year-old.

At this time the Detroit Police have ruled the incident to be a “horrible accident.”

The recreation center says it will continue to review its policies and improve security.

A memorial fund has been set up in David's honor. Checks can be made to the David Fyfe Memorial Fund and sent to:

• Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
• 138 Courtland
• Highland Park, MI 48203