Name of drowning victim identified; Paradise Cove remains closed pending outcome of investigation

The name of a minor who died following a drowning incident at Paradise Cove in Richmond on Monday has been identified as 7-year-old Santino Montreal Yancey-Hardwick of Lexington.

The minor was found unresponsive at the pool and transferred to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased by the Madison County Coroner’s office.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Santino Montreal Yancey-Hardwick,” The City of Richmond said in a statement Tuesday. “On behalf of the City of Richmond, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The city is committed to supporting a thorough investigation and will continue to offer support to the family and community in the days ahead.”

The City of Richmond Police Department is “actively collaborating with the pool management company to gather all relevant information and conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.” 

The pool was closed on Tuesday and will remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues pending the outcome of additional safety evaluations.