J’ylan Marquil Davis-Williams

Forever 14

This is the story of J´ylan, a vivacious 14-year-old from Alabama whose shortened life will have

a long lasting impact on many other youngsters this summer and for years to come.

J´ylan Marquil Davis-Williams was born July 15, 1999 in Northport, Alabama. He was a happy and assertive child who grew up to attended Brookwood Middle School in Brookwood, AL. By eighth grade, J´ylan had already developed his outgoing personality, love for sports, and fashionable swag. It was not unusual to see him sporting red Trukfit gear and a pair of clean Nike's while listening to his favorite rap artists Young Thug, Rich Homie, or Tyler the Creator

Spending time with his younger brother, J'yden, his other five half siblings, and the rest of his family and friends always made him feel cheerful and loved. As a young child,

J´ylan was very interested in athletics, particularly basketball and football. He was truly excited to qualify for his middle school basketball team. An avid Auburn Football Fan, much like his grandfather,

J´ylan dreamed of being an NFL quarterback one day. On February 9, 2014 J´ylan and a few of his friends strolled to the park for a fun water adventure at the local pond. The teenagers climbed on a boat and headed off.   J´ylan had received some swimming instruction in the past and felt confident about his abilities in the

water, however he was not an experienced swimmer. The cheery group of friends was enjoying the aquatic escapade when the boat tilted, throwing its young passengers in the deep pond waters. They found themselves scrambling to get to shore. J´ylan tried his best to stay afloat and swim but was not able to reach safety. His friends run in shock to his house and announced the misfortune to his mother, a helpless moment that will stay in her mind for the rest of her life. After a two hour agonizing search, the rescue crew found J´ylan´s drown body

in a nieghbors pond.

J´ylan´s dream to be a quarterback was truncated. His family will grieve his loss forever. However, his life and the testimony of his death has sparked a new drive in his relatives to make a difference in the world by contributing to eradicating accidental drownings of young people in the USA. Naneeta “Shay” Williams, J´ylan´s mother, is determined to prevent other parents from going through her pain. She has partner with Swim Truth by funding the annual “Dream Scholarship”. This scholarship is granted to help young children and adolescents who have

lived traumatic experiences with the water, whether personally or through someone close to them. Each summer, Swim Truth will award the Dream Scholarship to two such students so they can learn how to swim and receive water safety instruction.

J´ylan´s memory will shine bright as these awardees pursue their own dreams. Their families will gain peace of mind, knowing the water becomes a safer place for them.

We give a special thank you Hattie and Shay for allowing us to share your story. 

We dedicate this to you.

Love,

SwimTruth