Wynn Las Vegas Faces Negligence Lawsuit Following Close Call with Drowning Incident of a Minor
May 16, 2025, 02:36h.
Last updated on: May 16, 2025, 02:36h.
Corey Levitan Read More
Pool Mishap at Vegas' Wynn ResortFamily Sues for Negligence
The clamor of a distress call echoed through the upscale Encore pool at Wynn Las Vegas, as the family of a young Utah boy prepare legal action against the casino resort company. The scene unfolded just weeks ago, with a harrowing near-drowning incident that left many questioning pool safety protocols.
In the heart-stopping moment, 7-year-old Joshua Stanley discovered his 3-year-old brother, Wyatt, had vanished beneath the aqua-blue depths. Sprinting into action, Joshua's father, Joseph Stanley III, dived headfirst to save his son. Finding Wyatt's lifeless form at the pool's bottom, Joseph hurriedly surfaced—only to shout frantically for help.
Luck was on the family's side that day. Raheem Morris, the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, and Andrew Oleksyn, an ER doctor from Dekalb, Ill., happened to be relaxing nearby[5]. In a dramatic turn of events, they leaped into action, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to resuscitate Wyatt[5]. Remarkably, Wyatt belched water and food and began breathing again[5].
In a moving sit-down interview with ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," two weeks post-incident, Raheem explained:
Thanks to a fortunate turn of events and the heroic intervention of the doctors and coach on-site, Wyatt was sent to a nearby hospital for tests and subsequently released[5]. Nevertheless, the questionable actions of the Wynn's lifeguards have sparked a lawsuit, accusing the resort of gross negligence and lack of appropriate supervision[4][5].
Allegations within the legal complaint point to the lifeguards' incapability or unwillingness to act on behalf of Wyatt, who was ultimately saved by the clutch intervention of the rescue team, consisting of a physician and football coach[5]. The suit also cites negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring, training, retention, and supervision[5]. The family seeks compensatory, special, and punitive damages exceeding $15,000, merely scratching the surface of the harm they suffered[5].
In the aftermath of the harrowing event, heightened concerns have surfaced regarding pool safety and the necessity for attentive supervision[4]. The incident has brought to light the vital importance of being proactive in safeguarding the lives of children, even in soaking-wet fun-filled atmospheres.
It's important to note that Wynn Resorts has encountered separate legal issues, agreeing to a hefty $5.5 million fine related to clandestine dealings[3]. Hopefully, this latest incident will encourage the company to reconsider safety protocols in all of their offerings, from elaborately designed casinos to inviting pool zones.
As the legal proceedings play out, the community, ever-mindful of the gravity of the situation, awaits news on the lawsuit's progress[5]. The eyes of Las Vegas gazed upon this terrifying ordeal, and the question remains—can we trust our hotel chains to put safety first?
[1] https://trib.com/local/sports/las-vegas-scenes/doctor-football-coach-save-3-year-old-nearly-drowned-in-wynns-encore-pool/article_7e25446e-d897-11ee-877e-db894e715365.html
[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/wynn-resorts-ltd-agrees-pay-5-5-million-fine-regulatory-inquiry-2021-10-12/
[3] https://www.wynnresorts.com/news/wynn-resorts-ltd-announces-resolution-to-regulatory-inquiry
[4] https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/crime-and-courts/3-year-old-boy-survives-near-drowning-at-wynns-pool-in-2023-family-sues-for-negligence-2660481/
[5] https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family-nearly-drowned-boy-suing-Wynn-Las-Vegas-fears-negligence-pushed-stormer-b coalition-city-13120811/
- Raheem Morris, the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, and a doctor from Dekalb, Ill., were relaxing at the Wynn Las Vegas' Encore pool when a distress call rang out, leading to a harrowing near-drowning incident.
- Joshua Stanley, a 7-year-old boy, discovered his 3-year-old brother, Wyatt, had vanished beneath the water and sprang into action, with his father, Joseph Stanley III, diving to save him.
- The lifeless form of Wyatt was found at the pool's bottom by his father, who rushed to the surface to desperately call for help.
- Raheem Morris and the ER doctor performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to resuscitate Wyatt, ultimately saving his life.
- The about-to-be-sued family, the Stanleys, have lodged a lawsuit against Wynn Resorts for allegedly showing gross negligence and a lack of appropriate supervision.
- The controversial circumstances surrounding the lifeguards' actions, Wyatt's near-drowning, and the subsequent lawsuit have raised questions about casino culture, pool safety protocols in Las Vegas, and the necessity for hotels to prioritize safety over profits.
