On a quiet Saturday afternoon in Akron, Ohio, a tragedy unfolded that would leave a community in shock and mourning. Jadako Taylor, a 12-year-old boy full of life and promise, lost his life in a manner so harrowing it defies comprehension. According to authorities, Jadako was subjected to a prolonged and brutal punishment: forced immersion in ice baths that ultimately led to his death. The man accused of this act, 23-year-old Anthony McCants, now faces serious legal consequences as investigators piece together the events that turned a routine day into a nightmare.
The incident began early on March 22, 2025, when Jadako was under McCants’ supervision at a home on South Balch Street. Court documents reveal that McCants, known to the boy’s family, allegedly compelled Jadako to endure two separate “cold plunges” starting at 5 a.m. The first lasted a grueling 45 minutes, followed by a second immersion of 30 minutes later in the morning. In between these chilling sessions, McCants reportedly forced the boy to perform push-ups and other physical exercises, adding to the strain on his young body. By 2:30 p.m., Akron police received a frantic call reporting a child in cardiac arrest. When officers arrived, they found Jadako unresponsive, his small frame already showing signs of severe distress.
Emergency responders rushed Jadako to Akron Children’s Hospital, where medical staff fought to save him. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at 3:45 p.m. The Summit County Medical Examiner later confirmed the boy’s identity and noted a chilling detail: at the time of his death, Jadako’s core body temperature had plummeted to just 74 degrees Fahrenheit. For context, a healthy child’s body temperature typically hovers around 98.6 degrees. Hypothermia, a life-threatening condition, sets in when the body drops below 95 degrees, triggering a cascade of symptoms—shivering, confusion, slowed heart rate—that can swiftly escalate to organ failure and death. In Jadako’s case, the prolonged exposure to icy water appears to have overwhelmed his system, leading to vomiting and seizures before his heart gave out.
Anthony McCants, the man at the center of this tragedy, was arrested shortly after the incident. On Monday, March 24, he appeared in Akron Municipal Court, where he was formally charged with felony child endangerment, a third-degree offense under Ohio law. Standing before the judge, McCants entered a plea of not guilty, maintaining his innocence in the face of the allegations. The court set his bond at $500,000, reflecting the gravity of the case and the public’s outrage over the boy’s death. As of now, McCants remains in custody at the Summit County Jail, awaiting further proceedings that will likely see his case presented to a grand jury for possible indictment on even more severe charges.
Investigators have described the circumstances surrounding Jadako’s death as suspicious, with early findings pointing to foul play. The criminal complaint paints a disturbing picture of McCants’ actions, alleging that he used the ice baths as a form of “corporal punishment” during the nine hours Jadako was in his care. A 911 call from the scene adds another layer of complexity: a male caller, believed to be a family member, told dispatchers that his “little brother” had “busted his head” and was unresponsive but still breathing. The exact sequence of events—whether an injury compounded the effects of the cold or if the hypothermia alone proved fatal—remains under scrutiny as the medical examiner conducts a full autopsy.
The loss of Jadako Taylor has reverberated through Akron, a city now grappling with grief and questions about how such a tragedy could occur. Neighbors and community members have expressed disbelief that a child could suffer so acutely in a place meant to be safe. For Jadako’s family, the pain is unimaginable, compounded by the knowledge that his final hours were marked by suffering. As the legal process unfolds, attention will undoubtedly turn to McCants’ relationship with the family and the circumstances that placed Jadako in his care that fateful day.
This case also raises broader concerns about child safety and the boundaries of discipline. What drove McCants to subject Jadako to such extreme measures? Was this an isolated act or part of a pattern? Answers may emerge as the investigation deepens, but for now, the focus remains on a young life cut short and a community left to mourn. Jadako Taylor’s story is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the profound responsibility borne by those entrusted with their well-being. As Akron awaits justice, the memory of a 12-year-old boy—whose light was extinguished too soon—lingers in the hearts of all who hear his name.