Update: Girl pulled from Northwood pool awake and breathing on own

Published 12:27 pm Wednesday, July 31, 2024

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The 10-year-old girl pulled from the Northwood swimming pool Monday after a near-drowning is now fully awake and breathing on her own, her family wrote on their GoFundMe page Wednesday afternoon.

Lyla Rafnson was in critical condition at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester after the incident Monday afternoon. Authorities stated when emergency crews arrived, lifeguards had removed Lyla from the water, and she was initially taken by a Northwood ambulance to MercyOne North Iowa.

Information about what happened has not yet been released.

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An update by the family this afternoon stated Lyla was taken off of the ventilator and was fully awake and breathing on her own. It stated she was still having trouble with the right side of her body, but doctors were confident that physical therapy could help improve that.

The GoFundMe page has thus far raised over $10,000. It states Lyla starts fifth grade this year and enjoys playing soccer and playing with her younger siblings.

“We are a tight-knit family and believers in our Lord and Savior,” the page states. “We would often pray before going to bed. She’d love praying for others in need who didn’t have places to live or things to eat. She’s a kind and loving girl. And I hope all who read this will pray for her.”

The page can be reached here.