Police: No charges in drowning of 5-year-old girl at Sumter Econo Lodge pool

Incident was deemed accidental; up to 30 children and adults were at the pool

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The aunt of the 5-year-old girl who died from a likely accidental drowning at a hotel pool in Sumter said she misses her "teddy bear."

Jasmine Davis said Faith Gilmore was "very outdoing, funny" and a "loving person. She is the child when you're having a bad day, she would give you a hug."

The child was unresponsive when she was pulled from the pool at the Econo Lodge on North Washington Street about 5 p.m. Saturday, according to the Sumter Police Department, and transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where she later died.

An investigation that included witness statements, surveillance video footage and the initial autopsy results determined the incident was the "result of a tragic accident, and no charges are forthcoming," according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the department.

"Anywhere from 20 to 30 or more children and adults were in and around the pool leading up to the incident," McGirt said. "The video footage shows adults were present and that several individuals were within arms' reach of the child when it was discovered something was wrong, although she remained above water."

McGirt said everyone who was at the pool was associated or acquainted with each other.

Initial autopsy results found there was no physical trauma, and toxicology results are pending.
"Members of the Sumter Police Department are deeply saddened by this tragic event and would like to express our condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of Faith during this difficult time."

Faith leaves four sisters and four brothers behind, her aunt said. She lived with her grandmother in Sumter.
Davis said the accident should have never happened.

"A 12-year-old pulled my niece when she saw her floating in the water," she said.

A GoFundMe page that includes photos of the smiling child is asking for help with “home going services” and says that family and friends are welcomed to her great-grandparents’ home in Alcolu. The page also has phone numbers to call to purchase a memorial T-shirt with proceeds benefiting the family.

To visit the GoFundMe page, go to https://bit.ly/2JWitNl.

"Aunt loves you with all her heart," Davis said. "Watch over me."