New Jersey
Washington Twp. community rocked by drowning death of 3-year-old
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“This sucks. There is no other way to explain it. I joined a club. A club that shouldn’t exist. The worst club that a parent could ever be a part of. The club where I have to bury my child,” Mike Shevlin said on Facebook after his 3-year old son tragically died after drowning in the family pool.
The devastating death of Elijah Shevlin in Washington Township has rocked the community. On June 27, Elijah was found unresponsive by his parents in the family pool. He died on July 3.
According to Mike Shevlin’s page, the father started compressions immediately after finding his son face down and motionless in the pool.
First responders arrived quickly, and Elijah was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His brain had swollen to the point that nothing could be done to save his life.
Elijah’s mother, Sandra Shevlin, posted on Facebook, describing her son as an angel.
“I’m forever broken. I love you with all my heart, my sweet angel boy. You were too good for this earth,” she said.
Elijah is survived by his parents and his two siblings, his twin Ella and 6-year-old Mickey. The family decided on organ donation.
“Somewhere in this country, a phone is about to ring. On one end of the phone is a doctor. And on the other end is a parent who’s going to hear that an organ is waiting to save their child,” Mike said on Facebook. “And knowing that a few other Dads out there never have to feel the pain I feel can bring me some closure.”
Peter Del Borrello III, Washington Township Council president, sent out a statement to the community calling for strength and support for the family.
“Together, let us wrap out arms around them and remind them that an entire community stands beside them. This is our opportunity to show Mike, Sandi, Ella, and Mickey that they have an entire town behind them – not just today, but in the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.”
Elijah’s parents have spent their lives dedicated to the Washington Township community. Mike Shevlin is a veteran and police officer for the Camden County Police Department. Sandi Shevlin is a first-grade elementary school teacher.
Elijah’s family has opened a GoFundMe to support the family during these difficult times and has raised over $65,000 in donations.
Community members have also organized a lemonade and baked goods stand, with all proceeds going to the family. The stand will be open on July 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 30 Longwood Drive in Sicklerville.
Mia Boykin is an education/watchdog reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: mboykin@gannettnj.com. Please consider a digital subscription.