Attorney: family of boy who drowned at Richmond water park raises concerns about response

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — An attorney representing the family of 7-year-old Santino Yancey-Hardwick, who died after a drowning incident at Richmond’s Paradise Cove Aquatic Center, says they have concerns about how the situation was handled.

Santino died Monday at a hospital following the incident at the city-run water park. According to Justin Peterson of Peterson Law Office, who is now representing the family, his team has already begun its own investigation into the events surrounding the child’s death.

“With the prior cases that we have handled when there is a child drowning death, typically this doesn’t happen absent someone doing something wrong. That’s just the reality of it,” Peterson said.

He added that his team is gathering eyewitness accounts and has concerns about how quickly lifeguards and staff recognized the emergency, how fast they responded, and what actions were or weren’t taken after Santino was pulled from the water. “Her son went out to have fun that morning and didn’t come home,” Peterson said of Santino’s mother, noting she is currently nine months pregnant with her fifth child. “To say this has been devastating for her is a complete understatement.”

Police are also continuing their own investigation, and Paradise Cove remains closed pending the outcome.

Peterson also acknowledged the outpouring of community support, as a GoFundMe campaign for the family has raised thousands of dollars to help with funeral expenses.

ABC36 News Now has reached out to the City of Richmond and its Parks and Recreation Department for comment and is awaiting a response.

Later Thursday, ABC 36 News Now received the following statement from the City of Richmond:

City of Richmond, Kentucky Information Regarding Paradise Cove- (03) July 3, 2025
While the City of Richmond is unable to make comments about an on-going
investigation, as of 1:30 this afternoon the City of Richmond has a few more details we
can share with the public regarding the tragedy at Paradise Cove Aquatic Center on
Monday, June 30th.
First, as previously shared, we have confirmed the identity of the child to be 7-year-old
Santino Yancey-Hardwick of Lexington, Kentucky. The Richmond Police Department has
completed their initial on-site investigation, and Madison County Health Department
has finalized their necessary facility inspection.
Paradise Cove received a pass rating on their inspection, but will remain closed until
Saturday, July 5,pending staff availability and subject to change.
Richmond Police Department Community Services has extended support to Santino’s
family and to the employees of Paradise Cove. The City of Richmond has no additional
information to share at this time during the ongoing investigation, and once again
extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Santino.