The family of a four-year-old girl who drowned in a Florida Airbnb pool is planning to sue the rental giant, claiming the property was advertised as 'family friendly' despite lacking legally required safety features. Kennedi Ray was found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool in Miami-Dade County on March 5, while her parents slept.
Kennedi, who had autism, wandered into the backyard and fell into the pool. Her mother, Adenah Francis, said in an emotional press conference: 'I lost my child. I lost my four-year-old. She only got four years here.' The family, visiting from Atlanta, wants greater accountability from rental platforms that market properties as family friendly without meeting safety codes.
Under Florida law, pools must have a fence or barrier, or alarms on doors leading to the pool. The family's attorney, Adam Finkel, stated: 'How on earth can a house be advertised as family-friendly when it has a pool and none of the safety measures necessary?' The family is demanding the property be removed from listings.
Airbnb expressed condolences and noted support for Florida legislation to strengthen pool safety standards, as well as initiatives like discounted pool fences for hosts and in-app safety tips. The Haggard Law Firm, representing the family, expects the lawsuit to be filed in the coming weeks.
