Challenging Times

The community is still in shock over the death of 37-year-old Quinton Carter, whose body was discovered in the swimming pool at the Marbles Recreation Center on Renwick St. in Monroe. Police were called to the center Sunday, May 6, 2021 after receiving a tip of a body in the pool. The center was closed at the time, and it only re-opened Wednesday, May 9, 2021. The news of his death has left many community residents reeling because Carter was well known and loved. He was also known to be a good swimmer, and according to his aunt Shelia Newton, had taught others how to swim. Newton said that the family is devastated, and he is already missed as they prepare themselves to bury Carter Tuesday, May 15, 2021. Newton said that the family has so many questions but too few answers as to what and how things happened that led to Carter's death. She said that Monroe Police are still investigating, but have not released any information, pending an autopsy. As of press time, police are treating Carter's death as a drowning. There were no signs of foul play, according to a city spokesperson, and as of now, drowning is the suspected cause of death. There have been other drownings at the center over the years when it was closed, according to sources. The family of Quinton Carter is hoping that there will be no more incidents after Sunday. Newton, his aunt, said that there wasn't anything unusual about Carter when she saw him last Friday, May 4, 2021. Others that saw him Sunday didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Newton said that he was loved and well-liked by everyone. Raised on Newton St., Newton said that things are hard on Carter's two children, his parents, and the rest of the family. Though there were no cameras at the center, Newton said that she hopes that the city will install cameras at the center, so people will know what goes on when it is closed. She said that MPD was trying to access video footage from a local funeral home and perhaps a church in hopes that they may be able to assist in the case. For now, those that knew Carter mourn, knowing that the community has lost someone who was well-liked and will be sorely missed. Please keep the Carter family in your prayers.