A heartbreaking story has surfaced from Orlando, Florida, where a mother is seeking justice after the tragic death of her 3-year-old son at a hotel. Tarina Akbari, the mother of Rakim Akbari, has filed a lawsuit against Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation and the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, claiming they failed to keep the property safe, which led to her son’s drowning in a retention pond on the hotel grounds.
The incident happened on July 18, when Rakim, who had autism, wandered away from the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, located on Palm Village Circle. That morning, Rakim, lovingly nicknamed “Tuda,” was last seen wearing white pajama pants with red and green accents and a maroon shirt. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office quickly issued an alert, expressing deep concern for his safety. Sadly, their fears were confirmed when Rakim was found in the pond later that day. Authorities determined his death was an accidental drowning.
Tarina Akbari, devastated by the loss, expressed her grief to the media, saying, “I never thought in a million years that they’d be pulling my baby’s body out of a pond.” She shared that her son had a love for water, and she had planned to enroll him in swimming lessons.
Now, Tarina is taking legal action, alleging that the resort’s negligence contributed to her son’s death. In her lawsuit, filed in Orange County court, she claims the resort failed to secure the retention pond properly and didn’t meet safety standards required by local regulations. According to the complaint, the pond was “only partially secured” and had a dangerous slope, making it a hazard for children.
The lawsuit also accuses the resort management of failing to monitor the area or warn guests about the potential dangers. Tarina’s legal team, including attorneys from the Haggard Law Firm and Ben Crump Law, argues that the resort neglected its duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors, especially children.
The lawsuit seeks over $50,000 in damages for emotional pain, funeral expenses, and the loss of Rakim’s future support and contributions to his family. The defendants named in the suit include Vistana Management, Vistana Development, Vistana Spa Condominium Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
A spokesperson for Marriott Vacations Worldwide offered condolences to the Akbari family, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and send our sincere condolences.” However, they declined to comment further, citing the ongoing litigation.
This devastating incident has left many questioning the safety measures at resorts and the responsibility they have to protect their guests, especially vulnerable children. For Tarina, the fight is about accountability and ensuring no other family experiences such a tragic loss.
