Two young girls fell into the water off a Coney Island jetty in Late July. Only one girl came out of the water alive. This accidental drowning in New York City is the third such in recent months.
Takara McDuffy and her 9-year old sister were playing on the jetty shortly after 7pm on July 23rd. Somehow, both girls fell into the water. Passersby rushed to the rescue and pulled both girls from the water but young Takara was unconscious and efforts to revive her failed. She was pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital.
Swimming is prohibited on the beach after the lifeguards leave at 6pm. Investigators are unsure why the two young girls were on the jetty unsupervised so late in the afternoon.
Like many of this year’s tragic water-related accidents, this drowning death in New York demonstrates just how quickly innocent fun can turn deadly. Earlier this month a 3-year old girl drowned after she slipped away from parental supervision and drowned in Prospect Park. Just last month, two 13-year old cousins drowned in the Bronx River when they went in for an afternoon swim.
Many times these tragic accidents leave families reeling, unable to cope with the emotional loss of a loved one yet also saddled by the financial burden of the loss. It’s not something many like to think about, let alone discuss, but the average funeral costs well over $10,000 nationwide.
However, when an element of negligence comes into play (such as an inattentive care provider or lifeguard, improperly secured swimming pool, or unsafe or poorly maintained equipment and/or vehicles) victims may be able to seek monetary compensation to medical and hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering for the injuries sustained and funeral expenses, heaven forbid in the event of a death.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one to an accidental drowning in New York City and you believe someone else negligence is may be responsible for your loss, contact a qualified attorney immediately to discuss your case confidentially. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.