CNY mom of 1-year-old dies at Enchanted Forest Water Safari from asthma attack

A day in Old Forge

A water slide at Enchanted Forest Water Safari.Kathe Harrington

A 23-year-old Mattydale woman died at Enchanted Forest Water Safari Sunday afternoon, Town of Webb police said.

Kailey J. Morrell, a 2017 Cicero-North Syracuse High School graduate, died after suffering what’s believed to be a severe asthma attack, Webb Police Chief Ron Johnston said today.

Morrell was with her boyfriend’s family at the park Sunday, Johnston told Syracuse.com|The Post Standard. She has a 1-year-old child who was not with her at the time, the chief said.

Morrell complained of having trouble breathing as she climbed up an incline taking her to the top of one of the park’s water slides, Johnston said. She and a female friend then rode the water slide down and left the pool area.

Moments later, Morrell began having trouble breathing again and used her inhaler, but collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at 1:44 p.m., police said. Water Safari lifeguards and staff EMTs began CPR and administered a defibrillator, but all attempts were unsuccessful, police said.

An autopsy will be conducted Tuesday.

Morrell’s 1-year-old child was in the Syracuse area at the time, Johnston said. Morrell lived in Mattydale, police said.

Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.