JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of an 85-year-old man who drowned in a retention pond in March has sued the owner and management of a Jacksonville apartment complex for seniors, alleging the pond was not properly maintained or secured and that its steep slope should have required a fence.
The suit, filed on behalf of James Holloway Sr., says he drowned in a pond at Marcis Pointe Apartments.
“My dad was 85 years old, but he did not deserve to die the way he did at the bottom of a pond and that we couldn’t even have an open casket funeral for him,” LaTonya Stewart, Holloway’s daughter, said. “That’s the worst thing about it.”
Adam Finkel, an attorney with The Haggard Law Firm representing the family, said adding barriers would be inexpensive compared with the loss of life.
“The cost of building one of these fences is far less than the cost of a human life,” he said.
RELATED: Florida lawmaker pushes Project Leo after 2 children with autism drown in August
The lawsuit is drawing attention as several drownings tied to retention ponds have occurred in Jacksonville this year. In August, two children with autism drowned in separate retention ponds in the district represented by City Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr.
Gaffney said the issue affects residents of all ages and announced he will lead a new city committee to examine possible safety measures, including barriers, fencing and public education.
“Hopefully we have some type of legislation in place where we can prevent tragedies like this again,” Gaffney said. He said he wants residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods and around ponds and lakes.
The committee is expected to make recommendations by the end of December.
News4JAX sought comment from the owner of Marcis Pointe Apartments and its management company; there was no immediate response.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.