River Wilson, a 20‑month‑old Bronx toddler, tragically drowned in an above‑ground pool at a home‑based daycare – Ana’s Butterfly Garden – on Aug. 1. The parents say the caretaker, a 47‑year‑old adult, was busy cooking and did not notice River fall into the pool.
Parents vow to sue for negligence
At a press conference on Tuesday, River’s father, Ifiok Wilson, announced the family will file a lawsuit against Ana’s Butterfly Garden, its owners Ana Feliz Gonzalez and John Guzman, and the caretaker. “We want answers,” Ifiok told reporters. “We will not rest until we hold the people responsible for River’s death.”
His wife, Ima, could only speak through tears when she appeared in the crowd.
No official explanation yet
Police and the Office of Family and Children’s Services (OFCS) have not yet released an accident report. A police source said River supposedly fell into the pool, but no official explanation has surfaced. The daycare’s owners have not been charged, and officials could not be reached for comment.
Call for better safety at home daycares
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, who introduced “River’s Law” to prohibit swimming pools at residential daycares, said the tragedy exposed a “broken system.” According to Torres, the OFCS only found the pool’s barriers inadequate after River’s body was recovered. He called the state’s inspection process “too late and too slow.”
Legal and community pressure builds
River’s attorney, James Williams, said the lawsuit would focus on those “who had a duty to watch, supervise, and care for River.” He accused the daycare owners of ignoring their responsibilities. Meanwhile, the community in the surrounding Bronx neighborhood has gathered to demand accountability and stricter safety standards.
A Mother’s Cry for Closure
Ifiok Wilson repeated that parents should never have to “beg for answers” about a child’s death. “No parents should be forced to grieve in the dark,” he said. “River deserves better.”
The case highlights the urgent need for safer home‑based childcare settings and tighter oversight of open‑air pools. As the legal action moves forward, parents, lawmakers, and residents alike are urging the state to tighten regulations and prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Source: New York Post
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
