Princeton Police: Pool Death Ruled ‘Accidental by Drowning’

The investigation into the death of Colin Simonelli last month at the Community Park Pool in Princeton has concluded, police announced today.

Simonelli, 24, was spotted by a swimmer at the shallow end of the pool on the afternoon of Aug 20. The man called for another man to help, and they pulled him out of the pool, according to people at the pool. Lifeguards then administered CPR for about 15 minutes. Princeton Police and First Aid personnel were dispatched to the pool. Simonellie was then transported to the University Medical Center of Princeton Medical at Plainsboro, where he died later.

According to police, Simonelli had an “acute cardiac episode” while standing in the Community Park Pool. He then collapsed and became submerged in the pool. His death has been officially ruled accidental by drowning, police said.

Earlier this month, Princeton officials said they would review how the staff at Community Park Pool handled the emergency. No update has been provided on the review yet.