A 32-year-old Surrey man died Wednesday, after going into medical distress while swimming at the South Surrey Indoor Pool.
Surrey RCMP Sgt. Drew Grainger said the man, who was autistic, had gone to the pool with a caregiver.
Staff pulled him from the pool bottom around 6:30 p.m.
Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead in hospital.
Grainger described the incident as “just a tragic event… a terrible medical accident.”
“This entire family is shaken up,” he said.
The man was reportedly participating in a program for developmentally disabled swimmers at the time.
Citing privacy, City of Surrey officials released few details..
“Our lifeguard staff responded to an individual in the pool, pulled him out of the pool and performed first aid,” said Laurie Cavan, the city’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture.
“Tragically, he did pass away later on. On behalf of the city, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family.”
Grainger said the victim’s name has not been released. Policy enacted about a month ago now places that decision in the hands of the coroner unless there is a need for a person’s identity to be made public, he said.
