KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's Note: The Knoxville Police Department initially said it was investigating the death of a woman after responding to calls that she was in distress at a pool. The Sertoma Center later contended that no investigation would be conducted. Later that evening, police said the woman's death seemed accidental in nature but did not specify whether her death was being investigated.
An investigation was underway by the Knoxville Police Department after a woman died in a hospital after having complications at Inskip Pool on Aug. 22. The police department said the woman's death was "by all appearances, accidental in nature."
KPD was already in the area when officers responded to a drowning at the Inskip Pool. The department said they heard "distressed voices" inside the pool area.
According to Knoxville leaders, witnesses saw the lifeguards immediately go into the pool to rescue the woman when she was in distress.
Two lifeguards performed CPR on the victim who had potentially drowned, KPD said. The responding officer also performed CPR until the Knoxville Fire Department and AMR personnel arrived. According to witnesses, the woman was still breathing at the time.
The victim was then transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she died later that evening. According to KPD, the 71-year-old was a client of the Sertoma Center, which had taken a group to the pool.
Knoxville provided a statement below regarding the victim's death.
"The City and its Parks and Recreation aquatics team are incredibly saddened by the death of a community member last week following an Aug. 22 private event at Inskip Pool. The City and staff have offered condolences to the woman's family and to the organization that had rented the pool."
Officials have not released the woman's identity.
The Sertoma Center also released a statement about the woman's death. It is available below.
"Sertoma is deeply saddened to announce the passing of a person supported by our organization. Cherished for her charisma, fun-loving spirit, and zest for life, her warmth touched everyone who knew them.
Our mission at Sertoma is to ensure that every individual lives a life of dignity, joy, and opportunity. We are grateful to the first responders, the City of Knoxville, and our dedicated staff for their swift and compassionate response. We are confident that all involved acted professionally during this unfortunate medical incident.
The governing bodies over Sertoma have confirmed that no investigation will be conducted, as this was simply an unfortunate and untimely passing.
Our hearts go out to the family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. We ask that their wishes be respected as we continue to offer our support."