U student Keval Patel died May 23, after classmates found him unconscious in the HPER Complex dive pool the evening of May 22.
Twenty-three-year-old Patel, who was studying pre-biology and was an Airman at Hill Air Force Base, was swimming qualifying laps for scuba diving certification when classmates spotted Patel beneath the water. He did not have any scuba gear on.
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. U officials are waiting for the medical examiner to issue a report on the cause of Patel’s death.
Patel, who grew up in Ahmedabad, India, came to the United States three years ago. According to Alex Larson, a friend at the U, Patel was “very genuine and had high ambitions.” Patel dreamed of entering a big-name medical school to study internal medicine.
Serving in the military to pay for his education, Patel could only attend university classes at night. “He was frustrated. He wanted to come to school during the day. He wanted to be more involved,” Larson said.
According to Larson, Patel had a rigorous schedule, waking up at 4 a.m. to work as an airbase computer technician and attending classes and studying in the evening.
“He smiled a lot, even though he was so busy. It was easy to feel good around him,” Larson said.
Three weeks ago, Patel, with two friends, took a road trip through Yellowstone. According to Larson, Patel was planning a trip for himself to Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend.
Patel, who lived in Layton, would have friends over to test his culinary creations, which included Indian dishes with vegetables, rice and garbanzo beans.
“He always insisted that he didn’t know what he was doing, but it tasted good to us,” Larson said.
After the incident, Maj. Ken Moore, Patel’s commanding officer, and College of Health Dean John Dunn stayed at his bedside.
“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.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 28, in Dover, New Jersey.