Boy, 6, dies after jumping in pool at Pa. resort

ELYSBURG, Pa. — A 6-year-old boy who jumped into a swimming pool at an amusement park in eastern Pennsylvania did not resurface and later died.

George S. Roberts III, of Wilkes-Barre, was found under water on Wednesday afternoon at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, police said.

Lifeguards tried to resuscitate him, but George later died at a nearby hospital, Locust Township Police Chief Allen L. Breach said. An autopsy is planned on Friday.

There were conflicting reports about whether the boy injured his head in the Crystal Pool. His stepfather, Daniel Howey, wrote on his Facebook page that Roberts dove into the pool and “hit his head on the bottom.”

“The lifeguards gave him CPR and had him breathing on his own. Unfortunately, there was too much damage done,” Howey wrote.

Park co-owner Buddy Knoebel, who was not on site when the accident occurred, told the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg that Roberts was diving into 4- to 5-foot-deep water that is posted with “No Diving” signs.

But a statement on the park’s website said: “Initial reports indicated that he had hit his head. We later learned that no head injury was involved.”

The boy’s mother, Ann Marie Howey, posted a comment on the Facebook page for Knoebels Amusement Resort saying that she is grateful for the many online condolences.

“George was a sweet beautiful child and I am sure he is smiling his crooked little smile at all of you and all the friends he has,” she wrote.

Buddy Knoebel said the child’s death was the first fatality from an accident at the 85-year-old park, which is about 95 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

“Please join the Knoebel families in placing the child’s family and friends in your prayers,” the park website said.