The owner of a Houston hotel has responded to a wrongful death lawsuit involving an eight-year-old's passing, claiming the mother is the one responsible for the child's tragic drowning, according to a report.
Aliyah Jaico was swimming at the DoubleTree by Hilton, owned by Unique Crowne Hospitality(UCH), in a lazy river-style pool with family when she somehow got stuck inside a large pipe that feeds into the pool.
The medical examiner said her death was caused by drowning and mechanical asphyxiation, according to Click2Houston.
UCH has denied the allegations made against them, stating that the mother's "negligent actions" and oversight are to blame in a response to the lawsuit filed on April 22.
In the wrongful death suit, the family accuses the hotel of gross negligence, claiming the family's attempts to obtain security footage were denied by management.
Jaico's body was recovered over 12 hours after she disappeared.
Rescuers had to use heavy machinery to break through tile and dirt and eventually recovered Jaico's body around 6:30 a.m.-over 12 hours after the girl disappeared.
The City of Houston's Health Department revealed the pool was not in compliance with federal laws meant to prevent drain entrapment and child drowning in swimming pools.
Attorney Richard Nava, representing the family, said they are seeking over $1 million in damages and requesting a jury trial.
