11 year old girl remains in critical condition after incident at New Hartford pool

By Laurie Benedict

Story Created: Jun 21, 2007 at 9:42 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 23, 2007 at 8:41 PM EDT

NEW HARTFORD – An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life at University Hospital after a near-drowning at a pool party in New Hartford Wednesday night.

University Hospital tells WKTV that Jessica Fortson is in critical condition.

The incident happened at a private party at the pool of the Woodberry Hills Swim Club in New Hartford around 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The party was not sponsored by the school.

The Myles Elementary School sixth-grader got into the water over her head and was rescued by lifeguard staff, Sgt. Paul Colburn of the New Hartford Police Department said.

“Without a question, the lifeguard saved her life,” said Daniel Gilligan, superintendent of New Hartford Schools.

The lifeguard and members of the lifeguard staff administered first aid, as did a doctor who happened to be at the pool at the time.

Sgt. Colburn said that the party did have supervision.

Fortson was transported to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, and then airlifted to University Hospital.

Fortson is currently in critical condition. The New Hartford Police Department is investigating.

A crisis team met with sixth graders Thursday morning to explain exactly what happened.

The sixth grade graduation for Myles Elementary was held Thursday night.
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