Las Vegas Athletic Club’s motion to block video evidence from being released denied

Las Vegas gym pools have been exempt from lifeguard supervision since 2020, following a request from the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). (KLAS)

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A district court judge has ruled in favor of releasing video evidence from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) to 8 News Now following the drowning death of a North Las Vegas woman in a Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) pool earlier this year.

On June 13, 8 News Now requested the release of video evidence surrounding the death of 58-year-old Leticia Triplett, which could potentially shed light on what happened in the pool when she drowned on February 4.

An investigation report released by the SNHD indicated that another swimmer was in an adjacent pool who would ultimately be the first to rescue Triplett.

LVAC had noted in its arguments that approximately 20 people were present for a 20-minute period in the pool area while Triplett struggled and later died.

LVAC filed an emergency motion to prevent SNHD from disclosing video evidence to 8 News Now, citing concerns about inappropriate use of the video material and newsworthiness issues.

At a hearing Thursday, District Court Judge Timothy Williams allowed 8 News Now’s legal representative to intervene in deliberations on LVAC’s injunction motion.

Williams cited video evidence of Triplett’s death as helpful to 8 News Now in obtaining it, noting it as important to the SNHD investigation.

“If SNHD relied on this video to make its decision, whether that decision was right or wrong, doesn’t the media have the right to have access to the video?” Williams said.

Williams decided that 8 News Now would work with SNHD to air the redacted video.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.