Funeral for boy who died in school pool

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A funeral service has been held in Springfield for a 12-year-old boy who drowned in a middle school swimming class Feb. 15.

The death of Marlon Brown, a sixth-grader at the Kiley Middle School, is under investigation.

On Tuesday, Springfield's mayor and school superintendent and other officials joined family and friends to honor Marlon at Wesley United Methodist Church.

The Springfield Republican reports that teacher Mindi Kris said he had "a big heart and cared about everyone."

Marlon's 18-year-old cousin, Tishawn Brown, called him "a joyful spirit."

Swimming pool activity has been suspended in the Springfield public schools during the investigation. The School Department has named Housing Authority Executive Director William Abrashkin, a former housing court judge, to lead an independent investigation.

The district attorney also is investigating whether recklessness or negligence were factors.

Cox Media Group