BY CATHERINE TSAI
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MITCHELL -- Jerry Kelly, 10, wasn't breathing when he was found unconscious Thursday afternoon in the indoor pool of Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center.
These additional details emerged Friday as the investigation continues into the incident.
By the time Fort Mitchell police and a life squad arrived, Redwood staff members who administered life-saving techniques had brought him back to life, said Fort Mitchell Police Detective Tom Loos. "It's virtually unheard of for someone who's dead to be brought back to life by basic life support," Detective Loos said. "We were quite amazed."
Barbara Howard, executive director of Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center, said she was still investigating the near drowning of its young student from Covington.
Redwood is a facility that rehabilitates adults and children with disabilities.
Around 3 p.m. Thursday, Jerry had apparently wandered away from a classroom into Redwood's indoor swimming pool, police said. Jerry was listed in fair condition Friday at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati.
The boy's parents declined to speak with the media.
The center's staff has not said how long the boy was unconscious or how he got into the pool. The pool is 2 to 4 feet deep and is closed off by two doors, which are supposed to be locked, police said.
Ms. Howard also did not disclose standard procedures for using the pool nor name the employee who rescued Jerry.
Ms. Howard said because an internal investigation is ongoing, she could not discuss the incident.
"We're thankful our staff reacted as well as they did," she said. "We're waiting for things to get back to normal, but we appreciate everyone's concern."
Police said no one else was near the pool Thursday afternoon. Staff told police no one usually uses the pool at that time.
It was unclear whether the doors to the pool were locked Thursday. Detective Loos is still investigating and could not release more details.
