On Sunday, October 22, 2023, an incident occurred at Harbourside Place shopping mall in Jupiter, Florida.
A restricted fountain area, bearing a sign stating ‘do not climb or swim,’ became the scene of an electrocution. This incident led to the death of one adult and sent four others, three of whom are children, to the hospital.
Reports indicate that police officers and paramedics were dispatched following a call about a child facing trouble in the fountain. This fountain is prominently placed in front of a stage at Harbourside Place. Upon their arrival, they found multiple victims – both children and adults – who had experienced electric shocks from the water feature.
Adult victims were transported to Jupiter Medical Center. Tragically, one of these adults did not survive the injuries. The other adult has since been discharged. The three children received care at St. Mary’s Medical Center and are presently on the path to recovery.
Several witnesses provided their accounts of what unfolded. A bystander relayed how they saw someone try to save what seemed to be a father and his child near the water splash pads, but could not assist the father in time. Adding to the complexity, first responders arrived with the assumption they were responding to a potential drowning. They quickly realized the situation was much different, finding eight individuals requiring medical attention due to electric shocks.
In the aftermath, the area surrounding the fountain and its nearby stage was sealed off for further examination. This move was made as police in Jupiter started their inquiries, working closely with other involved agencies.
The site of the incident, Harbourside Place, is a well-visited spot in Jupiter, Florida. It offers patrons a scenic waterfront complex, a range of shopping establishments, dining facilities, and an amphitheater. It is important to note that clear signage was present, warning against swimming or climbing near the fountain.
As the investigation continues, various groups, including detectives, the town of Jupiter Building Department, Harbourside Place management, and Florida Power & Light are collaborating to pinpoint the cause.
In a testament to community spirit, crowdfunding efforts and local initiatives have been launched to offer financial aid and support for the victims. Members of the local community have been paying their respects by placing flowers, candles, and stuffed animals close to the fountain.