Pinson, Alabama — A grieving Alabama mother is sharing the heartbreaking details of the day she lost two of her children after they drowned in a creek during what was supposed to be a fun family outing.
The tragedy occurred Saturday afternoon at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, where 12-year-old King Gotti Scott and 10-year-old Lola Marie Scott lost their lives after entering deeper water while swimming with their family.
Family’s Day Took a Tragic Turn
According to their mother, Lolisa Hood, the family had originally planned to spend the day at a water park. When those plans fell through, she tried taking her children to two splash pads, only to find both locations closed.
“I took them to two splash pads and they were closed,” Hood told AL.com. “They said, ‘Mama, what about that creek you said you always wanted to take us to,’ and I was like, ‘Okay.’ ”
The family then traveled to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, where Hood said she made sure her children read posted safety signs before entering the water.
Initially, the children played in what she described as knee-deep water.
Children Accidentally Entered Deeper Section
When it was time to leave, Hood said her children mistakenly moved in the wrong direction.
According to her account, King, Lola and their 14-year-old brother Bryan turned left instead of right, unknowingly entering a section of the creek that was approximately eight to nine feet deep.
The situation quickly became an emergency as the children struggled in the deeper water. Hood said she immediately rushed to help.
“They were precious children,” she told. “I truly love my children and I was there. I was there trying to save my children.”
Mother Saved One Child but Could Not Reach the Others
The distraught mother said she managed to rescue her oldest son, Bryan, who was closest to the bank. However, she was unable to reach King and Lola before they disappeared beneath the water.
“I just couldn’t save the other two,” Hood said.
Volunteer Firefighter Accused of Setting Three Fires in 30 Hours, Then Helping Respond to Them
As panic set in, she called 911 and desperately sought help from anyone nearby.
According to reports, Hood asked two women passing by to assist before flagging down four men in a truck who stopped to help with the rescue effort.
Emergency Responders Rushed to Scene
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and emergency crews were dispatched to the preserve shortly after 4 p.m. following reports that two children had gone underwater.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were there with their mother near the bank when the children went under the water,” officials said.
Rescuers eventually pulled both children from the creek and transported them to a children’s hospital in Birmingham.
Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, the children could not be saved. According to Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates, King was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m., followed by Lola just two minutes later.
Heartbreaking Message From Grieving Mother
In an emotional social media post, Hood reflected on the tragedy and the moments she spent trying to save her children.
She wrote that those moments in the water felt endless.
“Mama is so sorry king & Lola,” she wrote. “[I] truly thank God for allowing me to be your mom.”
In a separate message shared through a GoFundMe campaign supporting the family, Hood expressed gratitude that she was able to save Bryan while mourning the devastating loss of her other two children.
“I fought desperately to save my children, and while I am heartbroken that I could not save all three, I am grateful that I was able to save my surviving child, Bryan.”
She added:
“This is a pain no mother should ever have to endure, and now I must navigate the devastating loss of two children while caring for my surviving child. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you in advance for your support, generosity, and prayers during this difficult time.”
Authorities say the investigation into the drowning remains ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Share your condolences and thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
