Pocono News Section

Robinson Vigil Overshadowed By Parent

Robinson Vigil Overshadowed By Parent - Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 11:20PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 @ 11:20pm EST

EFFORT, MONROE COUNTY- In the process of learning more about Michael Robinson, a 14-year-old boy whose life was cut tragically short Tuesday in a reported drowning accident, one parent did not want the media anywhere near a public candlelight vigil Wednesday night. Members of the media each received an email from a neighbor of the Robinson family inviting coverage of the event.

Robinson, according to state police, drowned at Camp Equinunk, Wayne County. A news release indicated someone noticed the 14-year-old Pleasant Valley School student was missing at a band practice. A reported "extensive" search of the camp turned up nothing. Robinson's body was recovered later from a lake. Dive teams said he was found in 25 feet of water. We're told he was swimming there earlier along with other teens. Camp Equinunk owners have refused to comment on the accident. A member of the camp staff hung up twice on phone calls from Eyewitness News . We've learned other members of the media were instructed not to publicize the drowning.

Some 24 hours later, a handful of family members and a lot of friends joined together near Robinson's home. While friends lit candles and signed a giant card, a man who identified himself as a parent of a band member said he wanted the cameras out of there. He later threatened an Eyewitness News reporter and photographer. In the middle of an interview, he placed his hands on an Eyewitness News camera. We asked what he was his doing. His response was inaudible.

The Pleasant Valley School superintendent said while the vigil was not sponsored by the district, school directors supported it. Superintendent Douglas Arnold told Eyewitness News he commended coverage of the tragedy and considered extending a personal invitation to WBRE-TV.

Meanwhile, the Robinson family continues to push for answers surrounding the drowning death.