Colin Simonelli, 24, was found unresponsive in 4 feet of water
PRINCETON -- Autopsy results are still pending in the death of the 24-year-old Princeton man who was pulled from a town pool Saturday, and officials say it could be weeks before they know exactly how he died.
Colin Simonelli was found unresponsive in 4 feet of water at around 2 p.m. by another swimmer, municipal administrator Marc Dashield said. Lifeguards pulled him from the pool and initiated CPR before first responders arrived and continued their efforts to revive him.
Simonelli was taken to University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, where he was pronounced dead later that night.
Dashield said Wednesday that a preliminary autopsy has been completed, but the town would not release any information on any causes of death until they have toxicology results, which could take between six and eight weeks.
The Community Park Pool complex is run by the town's recreation department and has a 50-meter swimming pool, diving well, family bay and wading pool.
Dashield said that on Saturday, there were 12 lifeguards on duty -- two of which were stationed at the main pool, where Simonelli was. He did not know whether Simonelli was in the pool with anyone.
"All protocols were followed, but as always, you review these things and make whatever adjustments," Dashield said.
He believes the apparent drowning is the first water-related incident to occur at the pool.
Simonelli was buried Wednesday morning. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in his name be made to Mercer County Community College Foundation or University of Massachusetts Boston.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.