HAMPTON - The parents of a 17-year-old Hampton University student who drowned at a freshman class pool party last week are calling for a criminal investigation of all University personnel and agents involved with the event. They also want the City of Hampton Police to handle it.
They spoke after a campus memorial service Thursday for David Esan.
Esan died at a pool party at Holland Hall on March 20. Rescue crews couldn't revive him, the university said.
At Wednesday's service, friends recalled his love of sports, particularly basketball and track and field. They described Esan as a man of God who was always serving others, noting that the young man with a 3.8 GPA was a math tutor for upper classmen.
He lived in Harkness Hall and was recognized as one of Harkness Hall's '16 Men of Excellence' for his commitment to academics and community service. He was a pharmacy major and member of the choir.
He hailed from Randallstown, MD.
Esan's family and friends urged others at Hampton University to make their success David's success.
He leaves behind his parents Isola Ade and Olukemi Esan, two brothers, extended family and countless friends.
The family has sent up a webpage for people to leave their condolences or information regarding his death.
Hampton University police are handling the investigation into his death.
Following the service, HU gave more information about staffing at the pool for the party. In an email, Yuri Rodgers Milligan wrote 'The party was staffed by two University administrators and three Hampton University Police officers. Also, there were three American Red Cross certified lifeguards on duty who performed two-person CPR. The lifeguards participate in four in-service trainings per year, the most recent in February. The lifeguards were positioned at an elevated stand, deck-level stand and at the pool deck during the party.'
HU STATEMENT:
Hampton University is extremely saddened by the death of one of our students, David Esan. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Esan family and friends for their profound loss. A memorial ceremony was held today in Ogden Hall. After the ceremony, the Esan family expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding David's death.
David drowned while attending a pool party at Holland Hall on March 20. Lifeguards and paramedics attempted to revive him on the scene until he was transported to Sentara CarePlex Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The investigation by Hampton University Police is ongoing.
The pool party at Holland Hall was sponsored by the Freshman Class and was one of the weeklong activities for Freshman Week. The party was staffed by two University administrators and three Hampton University Police officers. Also, there were three American Red Cross certified lifeguards on duty who performed two-person CPR. The lifeguards participate in four in-service trainings per year the most, recent in February. The lifeguards were positioned at an elevated stand, deck-level stand and at the pool deck during the party.
