June 12 – The Morgantown community rallies around a young boy and his family who experienced a traumatizing medical event at a local pool on Saturday, June 8.
Parents Jason and Elizabeth Pauley said they are impressed by the support their family has received after their 11-year-old son Jackson suffered a seizure at the Krepp’s Park public pool, causing him to fall into the water.
Jason Pauley said BOPARC lifeguards sprang into action to save Jackson after he lost his pulse for about 2 minutes during the ordeal. The boy was then transported to WVU Medicine Children’s for emergency treatment and was in the pediatric intensive care unit for the past few days.
“He definitely shouldn’t be alive right now,” Jason said. “That [lifeguards ] certainly saved his life.”
Although much recovery work remains to be done, Jackson’s condition has improved day by day and Jason said the family couldn’t be more grateful for the people involved in saving his life: the lifeguards, BOPARC personnel, first responders and medical professionals.
“I would like to recognize the people who had it directly in their hands, but also the entire staff and basically everyone at the pool that day,” he said.
Jason said his son has been taken off the ventilator and neck brace.
“He’s communicating, but he’s not yet his full self,” Jason said. “He reached a seat today (Wednesday), so that’s good.” He was even able to FaceTime with some of his friends.
Since the accident, the Pauley family has received support from people across West Virginia and the country.
A fundraiser at Sweet Frog in the University Town Center on Saturday, June 15 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM was organized by a close family friend. The frozen yogurt shop will donate 20% of sales that day to Jackson and the Pauley family.
Earlier this week, a prayer vigil was held outside the hospital, attended by dozens of family members, friends and community members.
Jason said he was surprised to see America’s Got Talent Season 6 winner and West Virginia native Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. to be seen at the wake. Murphy had been to a family event in the park the day of Jackson’s accident and came to show his support.
Jackson is also a beloved hockey player in the Morgantown Hockey Association and was honored by his summer league team during a game in Pittsburgh on Monday. Players wore a purple ribbon sticker supporting epilepsy awareness with Jackon’s number 58 on their helmets.
Jason said his son wears No. 58, just like his favorite NHL player, Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who also suffers from a neurological condition. He said Letang’s fighting spirit has motivated his son both on and off the ice.
Jackson, who takes the same defensive position as his hero, is also a fighter.
“He’s the best fighter I’ve ever seen,” he said, “so if anyone has a chance, it’s him. I’m not getting too excited, but even if things were to turn south, he’s proven he can fight. “
Following the accident on Saturday, BOPARC made the decision to close the pool at Krepp’s Park out of respect for the Pauleys and their staff members as they deal with their own trauma from the event.
“We are currently working through our post-traumatic event procedures, which include engaging certified professionals to meet with our staff as a whole and on an individual basis as needed,” said Melissa Wiles, executive director of BOPARC. “They are also involved in our return-to-work process during these cases.”
Wiles further said, “All of us at BOPARC join our community in continued supportive thoughts and prayers for Jackson and his family.”
“I would also like to thank our staff (guards, aquatics manager, division director and deputy director) and many of our supporters for all they did on Saturday.”
The Krepps Pool remained closed Wednesday, but Wiles said they hope to reopen in a few days, at least on an adjusted schedule, and then fully reopen. She asks the community to be patient until then.
“Firstly, I understand that it is difficult that one of our swimming pools is currently closed. That said, we ask everyone to be aware that we have staff who have also experienced the trauma of a direct service situation that involved a significant event. We respect their own healing process.”
Wiles added that one of the issues they face annually is an overall shortage of lifeguards in general, making it more difficult to operate two pools with fewer staff.
Jason said he hopes the pool can reopen soon and everyone involved can find some relief from their trauma. They are all so grateful for everything they have done for Jackson and their family.
“I can’t say enough for this community,” he said. “I know there are problems, but I think this is the best place on earth.”
