A tragic incident at a hotel pool in Myrtle Beach has left a family grieving after a 14-year-old girl drowned while reportedly left unattended.
Police say the incident happened on April 3 at the Sandbar Hotel, where emergency responders arrived after the teen, identified as Neveah Neely, was found unresponsive in the pool. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Authorities revealed that Neveah had autism, was nonverbal, and could not swim. Investigators allege that Brittany Neely, 32, left the teen and a younger child alone in the pool area while she remained upstairs in a hotel room with other children.
According to the police report, Neveah may have been underwater for at least 45 minutes before anyone noticed she was in distress. By the time she was pulled from the pool, it was too late.
Following the investigation, Brittany Neely was arrested and charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. She was taken to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center and later released after posting a $100,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 5.
The case has raised concerns about supervision and safety, especially for children with special needs. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
