Lawsuit claims Bronx pool where toddler drowned was in unsafe proximity to daycare center.
A tragic incident at a Bronx day care center has led to a lawsuit following the drowning of 1-year-old River Wilson over the summer. The suit claims that the pool at Ana’s Butterfly Garden Family Group day care, located perilously close to the house and enclosed by insufficient fencing, was a significant factor contributing to the young girl’s death.
According to court filings, the operators of the day care failed to adhere to state regulations that govern pool safety, leaving the environment hazardous for the children in their care. River’s mother, Ima Wilson, is determined to seek justice for her daughter, emphasizing that no parent should have to cope with such a devastating loss. The family’s attorney has affirmed that this legal action centers on ensuring that similar tragedies do not befall other families in the future.
The pool incident occurred on August 1, 2025, during a period when Ana Gonzalez, a 47-year-old operator of the facility, was reportedly preoccupied with cooking. It was only after a span of about 20 minutes that she realized River was missing, leading to the grim discovery of the child’s body in the pool. These circumstances have raised serious concerns about the level of supervision and safety measures in place at the day care.
The Wilson family has accused the operators of negligence, stating they were unaware that a pool existed at the facility prior to the incident. They have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the day care, law enforcement, and medical examiners regarding the circumstances of their daughter’s death, feeling left in the dark about vital details.
The lawsuit filed in Bronx Supreme Court also indicates that the pool was not in compliance with state mandates concerning barriers and distance from the primary structure of the building. Allegations include the absence of alarms, childproof locks, secure gates, and proper fencing, contributing to the dangerous conditions surrounding the facility.
In light of this tragic event, Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres has proposed legislation aimed at banning the operation of swimming pools within residential child care centers, furthering the need for enhanced safety protocols such as proper alarms on doors and windows.
As this case unfolds, the Wilson family continues to advocate for accountability and meaningful changes in regulations that govern child care facilities to ensure the safety of children under their care. No criminal charges have yet been filed against the day care’s operators, and the family maintains that they seek closure and answers to better understand the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death.
This developing story highlights the critical importance of safety measures in child care environments and the ongoing need for rigorous adherence to state regulations.
