Eight-year-old tells story of search for drowning boy

By Lindsey Ward

Published: August 8, 2008

Smith Mountain Lake State Park police confirm a boy that was pulled from the water there on Thursday died.

Those who were told to leave the water watched the whole scene unfold.  Many of you have called us to tell us you had kids who were there on a fieldtrip.

With the permission of one little girl’s mother she tells 10 On Your Side about how her trip to Smith Mountain Lake Park turned into a day she’ll never forget.

Eight-year-old Kailey Shell described the day as “really sad” after she heard chaperones yelling for a missing child.
“They told the life guard somebody was missing and his name was Marvin and he couldn’t swim,” said Kailey.

She adds once the child was reported missing they were moved from the beach to the picnic shelter where they watched from above and from the shelter she could see adults frantically searching the water.  The kids handed over goggles and waited.

“They were looking for Marvin with the goggles, because some of them couldn’t see with their eyes open under water,” Kailey explained.
   
As she watched the adults scour the water only coming up for air, the mood intensified as police, fire fighters, and divers swarmed the beach.

More than a half hour later the missing boy is pulled from the water.
   
Andy Davis, Smith Mountain Lake State Park Assistant Manager held an afternoon press conference.

“It’s been extremely sad, we’ve been trying to do anything we can for the family and also help our staff cope with what’s going on,” said Davis.
   
Although she didn’t know Marvin it’s certainly a boy and a tragedy she’ll never forget.