Family of 3-year-old infected with brain-eating amoeba at Arlington Splash Pad sues town

ARLINGTON, Texas – The parents of a 3-year-old boy who died after contracting a rare, brain-eating amoeba at an Arlington wading pool have filed a wrongful death complaint.

Bakari Williams’ parents have said they want to raise awareness of his tragic death. The lawsuit claims more than $ 1 million in damages.

RELATED: CDC: Child infected with deadly brain-eating amoeba at Arlington Splash Pad

“Bakari was a loving, energetic, passionate, sweet, handsome and innocent boy. He didn’t deserve to die this way,” said his father Tariq Williams. “For us, this matter is about public awareness. The last thing we want is for someone else and their family to feel and experience what we are going through right now.”

The 3-year-old died on September 11 after being hospitalized at Cook Children’s Hospital for a week.

His mother, Kayla Mitchell, said he was a big ball of energy and loved to play on the paddling pool at Don Misenhimer Park. They had been there several times in the weeks leading up to his death.

But a day after the last visit, mom said Bakari developed a high fever of 102 degrees and didn’t even have the strength to go to the bathroom on his own.

“From there it was like he didn’t want to eat. He didn’t want to drink. , very active child, ”Mitchell said.

After he was infected, water samples sent to the Centers for Disease confirmed that the splash guard was the source of the amoeba naegleria fowleri.

The deadly amoeba is often found in warm freshwater lakes and streams. It can also be found in swimming pools and water parks that are not properly chlorinated.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross admitted spill guard maintenance errors. The City of Arlington has previously said parks and recreation workers do not routinely record, or in some cases do not complete, the required daily water quality tests at two locations – Don Misenhimer Park and the Beacon Recreation Center.

“We don’t want another innocent child to die of a brain-eating amoeba. It’s crazy to get a brain-eating amoeba out of my mouth. A little chlorine and that child would be here today,” said said Stephen Stewart, family lawyer.

The city immediately shut down all splash fountains and they remain dry.

Bakari’s family are claiming damages in excess of $ 1 million.

“The City of Arlington is responsible for Bakari’s death. Bakari’s death was 100% preventable. We are here today because the City of Arlington has decided to ignore the safety rules that protect us all Family lawyer Brian Hargrove said.

“Bakari’s parents don’t want another innocent child to face Bakari’s death,” Stewart added.

The lawsuit also calls on the city of Arlington to adhere to state guidelines for water park safety.

The city has yet to comment on the lawsuit.