Educators Charged in 2024 Massachusetts Drowning Death

Two educators, Meghan Braley and Linda Whitacre, have been indicted on charges including involuntary manslaughter, permitting serious bodily injury of a child, and reckless endangerment after 12-year-old Giver Essien drowned during a July 17, 2024, Pittsfield Public Schools field trip to Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts. Investigators found the educators ignored student warnings about Essien's inability to swim and failed to follow required safety protocols, such as verifying swimming abilities and using a buddy system as required by Christian's Law. The search for Essien was delayed by confusion, including contacting his father before calling emergency services. The permission slip for the trip did not mention swimming, and the number of students was underreported. The indictment highlights a breakdown in safety and accountability by the educators and has led to increased scrutiny of school field trip procedures and compliance with state regulations. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 20 years, while misdemeanor charges carry penalties up to two and a half years.