NEW YORK – An 8-year-old boy who fell into a pool on a cruise ship off the coast of New Jersey late last month has died of his injuries.
The New York City medical examiner’s office said Monday that Prince Adepoju of Maryland died of accidental drowning.
Staten Island University hospital tells the that the boy died July 2.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas left New York Harbor and was heading to the Caribbean when the accident happened June 30. The Coast Guard says the boy had been in the water for eight to 10 minutes.
The medical examiner also says a “seizure disorder” was a contributing condition in the boy’s death.
Royal Caribbean officials have issued a statement saying they’re “heartbroken,” and their thoughts and prayers are with the family.
“The cause of death is drowning, with contributing condition of seizure disorder,” an email from a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office stated, according to the Advance. “The manner of death is accident.”
“We are heartbroken to learn the news of his passing,” read a statement by Royal Caribbean. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terribly sad time.”
At the time, officials told local media that the boy had gone without oxygen for 18 minutes.
Epoch Times contributed to this report, adding quotes.
