Denver Teen Dies After Being Pulled From Phoenix Hotel Pool: Reports

PHOENIX — A Denver teenager reportedly died after he was pulled from a hotel pool in Phoenix following a football tournament.

Darryl Blackmon, 13, was celebrating a football win Saturday evening at Embassy Suites hotel with his teammates when he had to be pulled from the pool.

“It was swamped with firefighters, police and ambulance,” his mother Marquita Mays told KPNX. “I go in between the crowd, and my baby is on the floor. And they’re doing chest compressions.”

Darryl suffered possible brain damage, according to a GoFundMe post created to help his family. He underwent oxygen procedures and experienced seizures.

"After a victory game the Jr. Buffs team went to celebrate and enjoy the win by going swimming at the hotel, which resulted in a tragic drowning accident," the GoFundMe post said.

A friend gave him CPR until paramedics arrived, KNXV-TV reported. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but police said he died Tuesday night.

The GoFundMe organizer said the family's car overheated and broke down during the 13-hour car trip to Phoenix. Darryl has three older brothers and a younger sister who stayed in Denver while his mother stayed by his side in the hospital.

"Please help support and donate to this family to help with all expenses medical, hotel stay, travel car and unexpected expenses," the post said.

As of Wednesday morning, the account raised more than $47,000.

Mourners remembered Darryl in comments on the fundraiser, including former teachers and teammates.

"Though that was several years ago, Darryl has always been one of the students I think about most often," the teacher wrote. "He pushed so hard even when faced with a challenge and his smile could light up a room. Sending my love to you all during this impossible time."

Another teacher said she "adored learning and growing with Darryl" while he was a fifth grader at Swigert International School.

"His laugh... infectious! I can still hear him saying, 'Ms. ADLER!' every day when he walked into my room,' the teacher wrote. "I'm so, so sorry. I will be thinking about you all."

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