Swim Instructor Charged with Four-Year-Old’s Death in Burke County
A swim instructor has been charged in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy who drowned while taking lessons from her in June in Burke County.
The Sheriff’s Office says 66-year-old Lexie Tenhuisen of Waynesville, North Carolina, was served with an arrest warrant Tuesday, charging her with the death of Israel Scott.
Tenhuisen was teaching swimming lessons at a residential pool in June in Burke County when Scott went under the surface of the water and didn’t resurface. A total of 10 children were in the class at the time. CPR was administered at the scene. The coroner’s office ruled Scott’s death was an accidental drowning. At the time, authorities said the case lacked sufficient evidence to prove criminal negligence.
Scott’s mother, Dori, however pledged to pursue charges in the case, saying Tenhuisen should have been held responsible for her son’s death. A panel made up of several law enforcement officials and the district attorney reviewed the case and it was determined charges would be filed.
Tenhuisen was charged Tuesday with one count of Involuntary Manslaughter and was booked into the Burke County Detention Center. She was released later on $10,000 bond.
