ATLANTA — The family of the 19-year-old who drowned at an Atlanta city pool said the victim didn't know how to swim.
Now, the family is calling for better security at all city pools, even after hours.
Family members gave Channel 2's Audrey Washington a picture of Daquavious Middlebrooks.
His family told Washington he panicked when he jumped in the water, because he never learned how to swim.
According to Atlanta police, the pool was closed when Middlebrooks and some friends somehow got inside.
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The pool closes at 7 p.m. It was shortly before 10 p.m. when EMS was called.
Jarvis Thomas, Middlebrooks' older brother, said he rushed to the scene.
"They started CPR and stuff, and he was coughing up water but it wasn't working," Thomas said.
Middlebrooks was found unresponsive in the pool. He died at a hospital the next day. Family members said they had no idea the 19-year-old went to the pool after hours.
Stacey Thomas, Middlebrooks' mother, said she last remembers cooking pancakes for her son on July 20.
"I'm going to miss my baby," Thomas said. "This was very unexpected, like a slap in the face to my family."
Middlebrooks' mother also said she isn't placing blame, but would like better enclosures at city pools.
"I wish there was some type of cover or garage door where they could close these pools up after hours so these kids can't get directly into these pools," Thomas said.
Washington reached out to the city department of parks and recreation. The department did not comment about enclosures but said the "safety at all parks and recreation facilities is our highest priority. We, again, express our condolences to the family."
While the family prepares to say their goodbyes, Middlebrooks' mother cant help but to think, "What if?"
"I never took my kids to get swimming lessons," Thomas said. "I feel like I should have put them in swimming lessons and maybe that could have prevented this from happening."
Daquavious Middlebrooks funeral will be held next week. His family set up a Go FundMe page to help pay for expenses.
Cox Media Group
