Woman charged after autistic NC teen drowns in Myrtle Beach

Brittany Neely faces multiple charges after 14-year-old Neveah Neely drowned in hotel pool.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:07pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of child's swimming goggles lying on a wet, tiled floor, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash. The dramatic lighting and stark contrast create a somber, investigative mood.The tragic drowning of a young autistic girl in a hotel pool exposes the need for greater safety precautions and support for families caring for children with special needs.Myrtle Beach Today

A 32-year-old woman has been charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child after her 14-year-old autistic and non-verbal daughter, Neveah Neely, drowned in the pool at a Myrtle Beach hotel last week. Brittany Neely is accused of leaving Neveah with her three younger siblings, knowing the teenager could not swim.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by families caring for children with special needs, as well as the importance of proper supervision and safety precautions around bodies of water. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of caregivers and the potential consequences of neglect.

The details

According to authorities, Neveah Neely drowned at the Sandbar Hotel in Myrtle Beach on Thursday. The 14-year-old, who had autism and was non-verbal, was left with her three younger siblings by Brittany Neely, who is presumed to be the girl's mother. Arrest warrants state that Neely knew Neveah could not swim but left her unsupervised near the pool.

  • Neveah Neely drowned at the Sandbar Hotel in Myrtle Beach on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • Brittany Neely was charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child on April 8, 2026.

The players

Neveah Neely

A 14-year-old girl with autism who was non-verbal and drowned in a hotel pool in Myrtle Beach.

Brittany Neely

A 32-year-old woman who is presumed to be Neveah's mother and has been charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child after allegedly leaving Neveah unsupervised near the pool, knowing she could not swim.

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What’s next

Brittany Neely is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, April 16, 2026 for a bail hearing.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the need for greater support and resources for families caring for children with disabilities, as well as the critical importance of ensuring the safety and supervision of vulnerable individuals, especially in high-risk environments like swimming pools.