Connecticut Family Settles With Babysitter Allegedly Responsible for Drowning Death of 3-year-old

Chesire, Connecticut–Krista Repko and her mother must pay $1.1 million to the family of 3-year-old Cole Veenhuis, who died after drowning in his family’s swimming pool while Krista was babysitting the boy and his twin sister. The settlement was approved on Wednesday between the Veenhuis family and Krista and her mother, Michelle.

Cole drowned on May 2, 2009 in the swimming pool of his parent’s Cortland Circle, CT home while Krista was caring for the children. Cole’s mother, Diane Veenhuis, argued that her son’s death was definitely preventable and was due, in large part, to Krista’s misrepresentation of her babysitting skills and abilities. She also added that while the settlement has monetary value, “the life of a child is priceless”. The Repkos have declined to comment on the settlement at this point.

The Veenhuis family will reportedly use the money to create a trust for Cole’s twin sister, in part to help her deal with pain associated with the loss of her brother. Additionally, the family will also set up a memorial fund in Cole’s name.