The Story of Santana-man

Lindsey Black recounts the days she cared for her son before eventually losing him. ​
​“My child unfortunately died twice,” she said. “I lost who he was back in 2006, and I lost who he’d become in 2014.”
This story is part of an in-depth look at drownings in Phoenix. ​
Southwest EMMY Student Production Award Nominee 

Produced by Lillian Donahue & Shot by Cheyanne Mumphrey
Photos (below) by Cheyanne Mumphrey

Lindsey Black holds up a poster of her son Santana Wednesday, May 24. In 2006 two months before his second birthday, her son fell into a pool. He survived after he was pulled out of the water but died seven years later from traumatic brain damage.

Photos from Santana Black’s funeral display in the Black family’s living room Wednesday, May 24. He was 9 years old when he passed away from brain complications. Surgeries left metal in his back, making him the man of steel.

On Wednesday, May 24, Lindsey Black recounts moments from the day her son Santana died. “When he was gone, I just felt like I was gone,” Black said.

Words decorate the home of Lindsey Black, reminding her of her faith, on Wednesday, May 24. When asked, Lindsey Black plans to dance with her son in heaven.

Lindsey Black points to a tattoo in memory of Santana, a daily reminder of his legacy, on Wednesday, May 24. She hopes to share her story and serve as a warning to other families.

Lindsey Black smiles in her living room on Wednesday, May 24. She says she lives every day as an advocate for child safety and drowning prevention.

FULL PROJECT

2017 Dow Jones News Fund
​Produced by digital media interns of the Dow Jones News Fund in association with the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU.
​Kimberly Armstrong • Rachel Cohrs • Lillian Donahue • Lily Haight • Rose McManus • Cheyanne Mumphrey • 
Em Okrepkie • Chloe Ranshaw • Hayley Sanchez • Nicholas Serpa • James Tyner