Nava Law Group has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of 8-year-old Aliyah Lynette Jaico following a tragic drowning incident at a Houston DoubleTree pool on March 23. Aliyah was swimming in the lazy river-style pool at the hotel alongside her family when she was violently sucked into a large uncovered pipe.
Our firm is committed to conducting an exhaustive investigation and relentlessly pursuing justice for Aliyah and her family.
‘Everybody Knows This Could Have Been Avoidable’
During a March 26 press conference, Attorney Richard Nava spoke on behalf of Aliyah’s family to shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy.
Aliyah was at the pool with her mother, younger sister, and other family members. It is believed that Aliyah may have been trying to save her 5-year-old sister who was also being sucked into the uncovered hole. Aliyah’s sister was pulled from the pool by a 13-year-old cousin, but Aliyah disappeared “in a split second.”
She was declared missing at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Saturday. First responders discovered Aliyah’s body wedged deep into a pool pipe after the pool was drained Saturday evening. This discovery has led to an in-depth examination of the pool’s safety features and compliance with federal safety standards.
“We are here because Aliyah was tragically lost, and the family is devastated,” Nava said. “We are seeking justice for Aliyah because this could have been avoidable.”
Tim Miller, the founder of Texas Equusearch, played a critical role in the search efforts.
“We had these long poles that had a camera on it, and we put that pole up inside that pipe … that’s when we discovered that her body was up in that pipe, approximately 20 feet up.”
The response from the hotel and the pool company in the wake of the incident was notably lacking. The family and investigators received minimal assistance during the critical moments following the discovery of the tragedy.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Nava Law Group is steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for Aliyah Jaico and her family. We urge the community to show respect and support for Aliyah’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope for a respectful discourse surrounding the case and respect for the family’s need for privacy and understanding as they navigate their grief.
Federal Investigation Underway
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also launched an investigation into the horrific tragedy. The investigation aims to ascertain the compliance of the pool with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a law designed to prevent accidents and drownings by mandating specific safety measures in swimming pools and spas.
A recent inspection report from the City of Houston’s Health Department has revealed significant violations at the hotel’s lazy river pool, resulting in its closure. Notably, the pool’s lazy river system, including large pipe openings and pumps integral to its operation, were not included in the plans approved by the city and had not been inspected prior to Aliyah’s death.
“We approved the construction plans, but we didn’t approve all the items that were actually constructed on site,” said Curtis Cagle, a Houston Health Department inspector.
Nava Law Group’s Commitment to Justice for Accident Victims
As the investigation continues, Nava Law Group remains focused on advocating for Aliyah’s family and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future. We are dedicated to using our extensive experience in premises liability to seek accountability and promote safety.
With over 150 years of combined legal experience, Nava Law Group has served more than 40,000 accident victims and their families, securing over $1 billion in recoveries, including a $9 million settlement in a premises liability case. Nava Law Group can be reached by calling 346-353-7399 or contacting us online.
