COMMERCE – An investigation was continuing Monday into the death of 9-year-old Diamond Bronston, who drowned while swimming in the Commerce City Pool Sunday while the facility was closed.
Bronston reportedly climbed the fence Sunday after sneaking out of her home. She was found submerged in 13 feet of water by the time emergency personnel arrived at approximately 7:45 a.m. and later pronounced dead after being transported to Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville.
"We've had some instances where some vandalism has occurred there at the pool where the only explanation is they probably climbed the fence," said City Manager Marc Clayton. "I know a couple times we've had some of our furniture thrown in the pool. I don't personally know of any instances where there's been swimming or getting in the pool."
The fence surrounding the pool is six feet tall.
Clayton says he's made contact made with Texas Municipal League and spoken with Parks and Recreation Director Ricky Harris to see if they have any thoughts as to how to improve pool safety. He did note that he feels the city has done everything they can to secure it.
"We've asked our police department to step up patrol on that even before this accident on the weekend to be sure. We've got the fence up and the pool secured but keeping people from scaling that fence is hard to do sometimes."
He says internally he and city officials will talk about what can be done to make it safer, and they will absolutely pursue any possible need for improvements found through the investigation. Clayton would not comment further on the investigation itself, as to not jeopardize any information.
Regular swimming hours are scheduled to resume Tuesday. The Commerce Swimming Pool opens at 1 p.m. daily.
Funeral services for Bronston were still pending as of Monday afternoon.