Child dies after swimming accident in Northport

NORTHPORT, Ala. ( WIAT ) – A couple from Northport is remembering their 10-year-old son who died after a swimming accident this week.

RJ Paulk Jr. was transported from his baseball team’s swim party on May 16 to Children’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Nicole Paulk says her son’s death has been beyond devastating for her and her family.

“This is very traumatic. It’s like someone just ripped my heart out of me and it’s a void that can never be filled,” Nicole said. “But every day I try to focus on the good memories I’ve had with my wonderful, sweet son.”

Nicole said RJ was a skilled athlete who played basketball for the Northport Wildcats and Warrior Baseball at Kentuck Park. He attended fourth grade at Faucett-Vestavia Elementary.

“He really loved life, loved people and loved animals. He was selfless, intelligent, very athletic, and he loved his family,” Nicole said.

RJ’s father Randall Paulk says his son touched many lives and wanted to be a pro football player or a doctor when he grew up.

“He was a great kid and I rarely had to discipline him,” Randall said. “He was great, he loved people and he tried to do everything right and by the book.”

A GoFundMe has been started to help the Paulk family as they navigate their loss.

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