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St. Louis Park Middle School Settles Drowning Lawsuit For $3M

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The St. Louis Park School District has settled a lawsuit with the family of a boy who died during a swimming class.

Abdullahi Charif, 12, died in March, 2014, just days after he was pulled from a pool at St. Louis Park Middle School. He had been in the pool for gym class.

According to the family's attorney, Charif's teacher knew he couldn't swim.

On the day he drowned, the attorney said evidence in the case showed the teacher was using an iPad while allowing everyone to play in the deep end of the pool.

According to a medical expert, Charif was under water for more than 15 minutes before anyone discovered him.

The settlement totals $3 million.

Charif's family said some of that money will go to support organizations that promote pool safety.

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