U student Keval Patel, died May 23, after classmates found him unconscious shortly before 8 p.m. in the HPER Complex dive pool the night before.
The 23-year-od Patel, who was studying pre-biology and was an Airman at Hill Air Force Base, was swimming qualifying laps for scuba diving certification.
The lifeguard on duty administered CPR, and the Salt Lake City Fire Department arrived shortly after. Paramedics stabilized Patel and transported him to the U Hospital, where he died the following morning.
Maj. Ken Moore, Patel’s commanding officer, and College of Health Dean John Dunn stayed at his bedside throughout the night.
“This is a very fine young man,” Dunn said, “and my focus is remembering, reflecting and making sure the family has the support that they need at this time.”
Friends found a key to Patel’s apartment and were able to contact his parents immediately. The university, with Hill Air Force Base, is assisting the family in sending Patel’s body home to Dover, New Jersey.
Patel did not have any scuba gear on when classmates spotted him in the pool. The medical examiner will issue a report on May 24 regarding the cause of death.