In a heartbreaking incident, a 5-year-old girl named Hazel Gonzalez drowned in the pool at the White Water Canyon water park in Tinley Park, Illinois, on Friday, June 30. Hazel, who was accompanied by three adults, was found unresponsive in the pool shortly before 4 pm.
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Tinley Park Water Park Drowning
In the wake of this tragic loss, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with Hazel’s funeral arrangements. The young girl had recently graduated from pre-kindergarten.
Park Closure and Reopening
The water park, owned and operated by the Tinley Park District, made the difficult decision to close early on Friday and remained closed the following Saturday. However, a Facebook post on Sunday, July 2, announced the park’s reopening at 11:30 am for members and 12:00 pm for the general public. Visitors were encouraged to check the official website’s Rainout Line for updates.
Closure Continues
Regrettably, despite the announcement, the Rainout Line on the White Water Canyon’s official website indicated that the park remained closed on Sunday, July 2.
What happened at Tinley Park?
Reports from CBS News indicate that Hazel arrived at the park with the company of three adults, but the circumstances leading to her ending up underwater remain unknown. At 3:53 pm, the Fire Department received a distress call regarding a full cardiac arrest at the water park.
Tinley Park Fire Chief Steve Klotz reported that local park district employees were the ones who pulled the unresponsive girl from the water. Lifeguards and paramedics at the scene immediately initiated CPR and other life-saving measures, including the use of an automated external defibrillator.
A Tragic Outcome
Despite the valiant efforts to save her, Hazel was transported to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where she was pronounced dead at 5:12 pm, as confirmed by the Will County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy was scheduled for the following Saturday, and the official cause of death remains pending.
Community Support
The Tinley Park Park District, which manages White Water Canyon water park, expressed its heartfelt condolences to Hazel’s family through a tweet on July 1. The tweet conveyed sympathy and support during this difficult time.
GoFundMe Campaign for Hazel
Megan Bagardo, Hazel’s mother and a single parent, shared a Facebook post about the GoFundMe campaign set up for her daughter. The campaign aimed to raise funds for Hazel’s funeral costs. Megan expressed her love and grief, writing, “Never thought I would be doing this. I love you babygirl always in my heart. Gone to [sic] soon.”
Community Generosity
The GoFundMe campaign for Hazel had garnered over $15,538 from 205 donations at the time of this writing, with a goal of $20,000. The fundraiser was organized to assist the single mother and her four other children with the financial burden of funeral expenses.
Celebrating Hazel’s Achievements
Hazel’s close friend, Miguel Rivera, initiated the fundraiser on behalf of Megan. In the GoFundMe description, it was revealed that Hazel had recently graduated from pre-kindergarten and was taken to the water park to celebrate this milestone. Tragically, the day took a devastating turn, leading to Hazel’s drowning and untimely passing.
Remembering Hazel
Miguel concluded by emphasizing that Hazel would never be forgotten, describing her as a beautiful child full of life and noting her advanced qualities for her age.
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