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Teen Dies After Accident In East Detroit High School Pool

EASTPOINTE (WWJ) - Authorities say a 15-year-old student has died days after he was involved in an accident in an Eastpointe high school pool.

KeAir Swift, a 9th grader at East Detroit High School, had been on life support after being pulled from pool last Friday. On Tuesday morning, school officials said Swift was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In a letter sent to parents, Superintendent Joanne C. Lelekatch said their deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Swift's family.

"When we lose one of our own, it is indeed a loss that we all feel," the letter read. "KeAir was new to the District, but in his time here he had gained the respect and friendship of both students and staff. To the students and staff who responded to KeAir's distress, we are truly grateful for your heroic actions."

Firefighters were called to the school, located on 9 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, just after 1 p.m. Friday. First responders performed CPR on the unresponsive teen before taking him to a local hospital.

Officials said staff members were present when the incident took place, but didn't elaborate as to whether Swift was part of a swim class or just happened to be in the pool area. Some students told reporters that Swift had been found floating in the water.

No further details or circumstances surrounding the incident were released, although reports say Swift struck his head on a diving board. An autopsy is planned.

Lelekatch said the district is cooperating with police in the ongoing investigation into the accident.

"I want you to know that we will conduct our own thorough review to identify what exactly happened that allowed this tragedy to occur, determine whether the District's policies and practices were followed, and if not, to hold those persons accountable," she said. "We will also revise those policies and procedures as needed to ensure that an accident like this will never happen again. The safety and security of our students must always be our first priority."

Lelekatch said counselors will be made available for students and staff to discuss the tragic accident.

The school's pool area will remain off-limits until the police investigation is complete.

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