‘Lack of evidence’ in girl’s death

The death of an 11-year-old junior lifeguard in July was determined to be an accident, and no charges will be filed by the Orange County district attorney.

In a letter to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Senior Deputy District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh said after reviewing the investigative reports and information, the case lacked enough evidence to file criminal charges against Marine Safety Officer Lt. Greg Crow.

“My decision is mainly based on the fact that there is a lack of evidence to conclude that Mr. Crow committed a crime since all the available evidence indicates that Ms. Squirrell’s unfortunate and tragic death was the result of an accident,” the letter said.

Crow was driving the boat that struck and killed Allyssa Squirrell on July 14, 2009 during a routine Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguards training exercise.

During the exercise, called “speed drop,” the Junior Lifeguards jump off a moving rescue boat to practice rescuing distressed swimmers.

“It’s a tragic accident and a very sad case, but there will be no criminal charges filed,” said Susan Schroeder, a spokeswoman for the district attorney.

The district attorney closed its inquiry into the case.

Crow has worked with the Huntington Beach Marine Safety division for more than 32 years and participated in the Junior Lifeguards for the last 20 years.

— Britney Barnes and Michael Miller