A pastor in the United Kingdom has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a man who drowned during a baptism ceremony, authorities confirmed.
Prosecutors say 48-year-old pastor Cheryl Bartley faces charges in connection with the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith, a grandfather of seven, who died during a religious ceremony in Birmingham in October 2023.
According to reports, the baptism took place at a private home and involved a small paddling pool. The ceremony was being livestreamed on social media when the situation suddenly turned tragic and the broadcast cut off.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Smith was pronounced dead. A post-mortem later confirmed that he died from drowning.
Smith, who was originally from Jamaica and had lived in the UK for decades, was a barber and had seven grandchildren. Reports indicate he had previously been baptized but chose to undergo another ceremony as part of a renewed commitment to his faith.
Authorities allege that Bartley’s actions amounted to gross negligence, leading to the fatal incident. The Crown Prosecution Service said there is sufficient evidence to move forward with the case and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
Following the incident, Bartley reportedly posted a video claiming she saw Smith “dancing with Jesus,” a statement that has drawn widespread attention as the case unfolds.
Bartley is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on May 14. If convicted, the charge of gross negligence manslaughter could carry a significant prison sentence.
The case has raised concerns about safety practices during religious ceremonies, particularly those conducted in non-traditional settings such as private homes.
