The family of 9-year-old King Overton has filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against SwimRVA, months after the young boy drowned during his first day at the organization’s summer camp in Henrico County, Virginia.
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined the family’s legal team alongside Richmond attorney Mark J. Krudys as they seek accountability and answers surrounding King’s death on June 15, 2026.
The lawsuit was announced Friday, October 16, during a news conference in Richmond. King’s mother, LaTaisha Johnson, and Khalil Hart filed the suit as administrators of the child’s estate. In addition to $100 million in compensatory damages, the family is seeking punitive damages and a jury trial.
Family Says King Was Enrolled to Learn How to Swim
According to the family’s attorneys, King could not swim, and his mother enrolled him in SwimRVA’s summer camp so he could learn.
The lawsuit alleges that on the afternoon of June 15, King entered the pool during an unstructured free-swim period. A girl believed to be about 7 years old reportedly noticed him in the water and alerted a bystander, who found him beyond the shallow-end rope in approximately four feet, two inches of water.
The lawsuit further alleges that an inflatable play structure had been positioned in the middle of the pool, directly in front of the only staffed lifeguard stand at the time.
The family’s attorneys have raised concerns about pool supervision and the circumstances surrounding the drowning. They have also said the family still has not received an answer about how long King was underwater before he was discovered.
These claims are allegations contained in the lawsuit and have not been established as findings of a court.
Criminal Investigation Remains Ongoing
King’s death has also prompted a criminal investigation. In August, a special prosecutor was appointed after a potential conflict of interest was identified within the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Earlier reporting in September cited statements from the family’s attorneys that evidence suggested King may have been underwater for 10 minutes or longer before another child noticed him. That timeframe is an allegation by the family’s legal team, not a final official determination.
The civil lawsuit is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation, and any decisions about potential criminal charges rest with the special prosecutor.
SwimRVA Responds to the Lawsuit
SwimRVA acknowledged the tragedy in a statement to WTVR CBS 6 but declined to address the specific allegations because legal proceedings are underway.
“The death of King Overton was a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with his family,” the organization said, adding that it was confident the legal process would allow for a “full and fair examination of the facts.”
The lawsuit now places the circumstances of King’s death before the civil justice system as his family continues to seek answers about what happened during his first day at the camp.
A Family Seeking Answers for King
For King’s loved ones, the legal action represents a step toward addressing the questions that remain after the loss of a 9-year-old child.
The case is expected to focus on the supervision of children in the pool, the placement of the inflatable structure, and the safety practices in place at the camp on the day King drowned.
As the civil case proceeds and the criminal investigation continues, the family is seeking accountability and a clearer understanding of the events that led to King’s death.
Y’all Know What extends heartfelt condolences to King Overton’s family, friends and everyone grieving this devastating loss.
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