The Maine-Endwell community and surrounding Broome County region are in deep mourning following the tragic passing of Cameron Jones, an 11-year-old youth athlete who died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following an emergency water rescue at the Binghamton Country Club pool.
The loss of the local middle schooler has triggered an outpouring of support across Upstate New York, with youth sports leagues, coaches, and local families mobilizing immediate relief resources to support his parents, Kelly and Erik Jones, and his sisters.
| Parameter | Official Incident & Memorial Record |
| Full Legal Name | Cameron Jones |
| Affectionate Nickname | “Cam Man” |
| Age at Passing | 11 years, 6 months old |
| Date of Incident | Thursday, July 9, 2026 |
| Location of Incident | Binghamton Country Club Pool (Union, NY) |
| Academic & Sports Class | High School Graduation Class of 2032 |
| School District | Maine-Endwell Central School District |
| Athletic Travel Teams | Stingers Baseball (Second Base/Shortstop) |
| Investigating Agency | New York State Police (Troop C) |
| Memorial Fund Site | GoFundMe organized by Kirk Blackman (Vestal, NY) |
Emergency Response at Binghamton Country Club
According to official incident reports released by the New York State Police, troopers responded to an emergency call regarding an unresponsive child at the Binghamton Country Club pool facility. Prior to the arrival of law enforcement and first responders, club lifeguards and bystanders had already pulled the 11-year-old boy from the water and initiated active, lifesaving measures.
Responding State Troopers immediately assumed care and assisted in the resuscitation efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. Cameron was initially stabilized and transported via ambulance to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.
Due to the critical nature of his condition, he was subsequently airlifted via medical helicopter to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Despite exhaustive intervention from emergency medical teams and specialized hospital staff, Cameron tragically passed away on July 9, 2026.
State Police investigators have stated that no foul play is suspected, and the official investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the pool incident is ongoing under the review of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Tiny but Mighty”: A Legacy in Youth Sports
Cameron was widely known across the Southern Tier region as a phenomenal youth athlete who displayed immense competitive spirit and natural leadership across multiple sports. Standing at 4’2″ and weighing 55 pounds, he was frequently described by his coaches and peers as “tiny but mighty.”
He was an integral infielder playing second base and shortstop for the Stingers Baseball travel team, as well as a passionate competitor for Maine-Endwell Youth Football and the Johnson City Soccer Association. Just two days prior to the incident, on Tuesday, July 7, Cameron had executed a standout athletic performance, taking the mound to pitch “lights out” as the closing pitcher to secure a victory for his baseball team.
His former coach, Shauny Alterisio, shared an emotional public statement celebrating Cameron’s character:
“Cam Jones, you are a superstar kid. I’ve truly been blessed to be able to have coached you, laugh with you, and even yell at you at trainings and games. You are the sweetest, most loving, kind-hearted kid I know. Fly high, little man.”
Community Rallies Behind the Jones Family
Beyond his individual athletic achievements, Cameron was celebrated for his innate kindness, routinely going out of his way to include his teammates’ younger siblings and serving as a supportive protective figure for his sisters.
To assist the family with sudden medical logistics, aviation transport bills, and funeral costs, a localized GoFundMe memorial fund was launched by organizer Kirk Blackman of nearby Vestal, New York. Within hours of going live, the fund saw an immense influx of donations from local families, regional athletic associations, and school peers. Area youth sports organizations are urging members to keep the Jones family in their thoughts as they navigate this sudden tragedy.