Jackson boy with brain damage dies

A Jackson boy who suffered brain damage as a result of a swimming accident in June 2003 has died, according to a close friend of the family.

Andrew Tyler, a member of the Barracuda swim team, nearly died on June 7, 2003, when he jumped into the pool and his heart stopped beating. He was 11 years old at the time of the accident.

He was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Long QT Syndrome, which doctors say caused him to go into cardiac arrest and lose consciousness once he hit the water. The syndrome, which affects about one in 1,000 people, is an electrical disorder of the heart that causes the heartbeat to increase, sometimes resulting in cardiac arrest.

Andrew remained in St. Louis Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital for several months, often showing signs of recovery. A few days after the accident, Andrew responded to a friend by blinking. He developed an ability to answer questions with his arms, but he was unable to talk.

Andrew finally returned home on Oct. 17 last year, almost five months after the accident.

According to the family friend, the family was in Philadelphia for a trip to a brain institute. The family has not returned home yet, and funeral arrangements were not available.

-- Southeast Missourian