Girl, 11, drowns in hotel pool while trying to help her sister, family says

SOUTH WEBSTER, Ohio (WSAZ/Gray News) - Dozens gathered for a vigil outside an Ohio elementary school to remember an 11-year-old girl who drowned in a hotel swimming pool.

Mackenzie Cornell, 11, died Sunday evening after drowning in the pool at a Quality Inn in Wheelersburg, according to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.

The girl’s aunt, who attended Monday’s prayer vigil in front of Bloom-Vernon Elementary School, told WSAZ that her final moments were an act of love.

“Her little sister went into the deep end of the pool and couldn’t swim very well. Big sister went to save her, and she ultimately died. There’s no greater love than giving yourself for your sister,” Helen Cornell said.

Family and friends say Mackenzie was a kind and gentle soul. She is described as a “girly girl,” who enjoyed many different aspects of life.

“She loves shopping. She loves Claire’s boutique, her and her sister. She’s funny and brilliant, and she can draw. She would draw us pictures and cards. Just caring and funny,” Helen Cornell said.

Some of the 11-year-old’s elementary school teachers say they will miss her smile.

“Just her sweet spirit. She was an absolute sweetheart. Very loving and kind,” said third grade teacher Kristi Davis.

“I just remember her smile. Every time she’d come into class, she had a smile on her face. Very soft spoken. She was one of the easy ones to love,” said technology teacher Chad Brenner.

Erica Mani with the American Red Cross says there can never be too much education when it comes to water safety, especially during the summer when many families go on vacation.

“It is time, prior to those visits, to make sure that you’re talking to children about the risks and the ways to stay safe, so it can be a fun experience,” Mani said.

She recommends designating one person to keep a close eye on children in the water.

Adminstrators say counseling services will be available at the elementary school through Friday afternoon. Counselors will also be available at the community church Thursday night.

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