The father of a 5-year-old boy who drowned in the Anacostia River last month is working to protect others as his family suffers a devasting loss.
Karsen West loved to explore and play with his dad. He liked to wrestle, climb on his dad and do “everything that a little boy would want to do with his father,” Gary West said.
Their bond was shattered on April 16. West said Karsen’s mother took him to Anacostia Park and the little boy somehow ended up in the river.
“I walked out the hospital before actually even viewing him. I couldn’t believe that somebody just told me that I lost my son,” he said. “My everyday life involved my son.”
West returned to the park for the first time since Karsen passed. He said it’s incredibly painful to think about his son’s final moments but his pain is motivating him to share his story.
“My son, he was autistic, so he didn’t see danger. He didn’t have no fears or anything. But had something been down here to prevent him from going over there, then I would still have my son,” West said.
He is working to push for safety measures such as barriers and warning signs near the river bank. He created an online petition and a Facebook page to raise awareness.
“Shouldn’t no parent at all have to bury their 5-year-old child,” he said. “But at least the thought of trying to keep somebody else from experiencing my pain is basically what’s became a priority.”
West said he’s heard from other parents and community members who have brought up similar safety concerns.
“I just want the consideration to honor him and prevent another family from going through this,” he said.
News4 reached out to the National Park Service and asked whether new safety measures are being considered in the wake of the drowning. We have not heard back yet.
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