Lily Lake Wrongful Death Lawsuit will be Heard in Washington County

The wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of the 9-year-old boy who died last summer after swimming in Lily Lake last August will be heard in Washington County District Court.

The wrongful death suit — originally filed in Dakota County — on behalf of James Ariola Erenberg, claims the state of Minnesota, Washington County and the city of Stillwater were at fault for not posting warnings about possible Naegleria floweria in Lily Lake, which also took the life of a 7-year-old girl in 2010.

Those are the only two recorded deaths from an amoeba obtained via swimming in a public area in Minnesota history.

The suit seeks $1.5 million, and asks for a judge’s order requiring the city to post warnings about the risk of Naegleria floweria at area lakes, and to build a chlorinated swimming facility.

The transfer to Washington County was requested by the city of Stillwater, according to the Pioneer Press, and agreed to by both parties last month. A hearing is set for May 10.

Naelgleria amoebas are found in warm, freshwater and can travel through swimmers’ noses to their brains.

Following Jack’s death, Lily Lake remained closed for 2012. It is not certain whether the beach will open for the 2013 swimming season.

Related:

Ariola Erenberg Lawsuit likely moving to Washington County (Stillwater Gazette)

UPDATE: Boy's Organs Donated After Fatal Brain Infection

Local Parents React to 9-Year-Old 's Death Linked to Lily Lake

Lily Lake Property Owners Want More Answers Before Lake is Blamed

Expert: Infection by Brain-eating Amoeba Linked to Climate Change

Obituary for Jack Ariola Erenberg