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Feds now investigating the Houston drowning death of Aliyah Jaico in hotel pool

A inspection report from the City of Houston’s Health Department is revealing major violations at a northwest Houston hotel lazy river pool where a young girl died over the weekend. ((Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.))

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission confirms to KPRC 2 they’ve launched a federal investigation into the drowning death of Aliyah Jaico at DoubleTree by Hilton on Saturday.

The body of eight-year-old Aliyah was discovered wedged deep into a pool pipe at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow, located at Northwest Freeway and Pinemont Drive, after being drained on Saturday evening by first responders.

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Investigators with the USCPSC were at the pool this week to determine if a product regulated by the agency may be connected to the death and if the pool complied with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s almost unbelievable’: Texas EquuSearch Tim Miller describes moments of recovering girl’s body wedged in pool

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a law that aims to enhance the safety of swimming pools and spas. It requires the installation of certain safety measures, such as anti-entrapment drain covers, to prevent accidents and drownings. The act also mandates compliance with specific guidelines and standards to ensure the overall safety of pools and spas.

A recent inspection report by the City of Houston’s Health Department uncovered significant violations at a northwest Houston hotel lazy river pool, prompting the closure of the pool due to multiple violations. Subsequent inspections on Tuesday revealed additional violations.

The hotel’s lazy river pool was built in 2018, according to City of Houston records but the plans approved by the city lacked a major component: the system that made it function as a lazy river. The components of the lazy river system - the large pipe openings and the pumps - were not part of the approved construction plans and they had not been inspected before Jaico’s tragic death, Houston Health Department inspector Curtis Cagle said.

“We approved the construction plans but we didn’t approve all the items that were actually constructed on site,” Cagle told only KPRC 2 a day after he made the discovery.


About the Authors
Holly Galvan Posey headshot

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2024, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.

Bryce Newberry headshot

Bryce Newberry joined KPRC 2 in July 2022. He loves the thrill of breaking news and digging deep on a story that gets people talking.

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