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Charges Announced in Mumford High Drowning Death
On February 24, 2020, Mr. Blanding was a swimming student in the defendant's 11:20 a.m. class at Mumford High School, located at 17525 Wyoming Avenue in Detroit. It is alleged that sometime after the class started, the defendant was in another room when a student notified him that Mr. Blanding was at the bottom of the pool. The defendant dove into the water and, with the help of other students, pulled the victim out. The defendant instructed the students to call 911 while he rendered medical assistance. At 12:15 p.m., medics arrived at the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
It is alleged that Defendant Sigler was grossly negligent by failing to supervise his student, Mr. Blanding, which resulted in his death.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Defendant Sigler with Involuntary Manslaughter*, a felony with 15-year maximum penalty, under the theory of gross negligence.
Prosecutor Worthy said, "We are alleging that the evidence in this case shows that the death of Mr. Blanding could have been prevented. While swimming pools are certainly desirable, they can also be death traps without proper, necessary, and needed supervision and preparedness."
The defendant was arraigned in 36th District Court this morning. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for May 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Kenneth King. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for June 3, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Sigler received a $30,000/10% bond with conditions: No drugs, alcohol, marijuana, illegal substances, firearms nor unsupervised contact with minor children. The defendant is represented by Attorney Todd Perkins. After the arraignment, please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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