Massachusetts authorities are investigating how the body of a woman who apparently drowned in a state-run public pool could have went undetected for days while swimmers continued to use the pool.
Bristol County district attorney spokesman Gregg Miliote said 36-year-old Marie Joseph went to the Vietnam Veterans Swimming Pool in Fall River on Sunday with a 9-year-old boy and his family. It appears Joseph drowned after colliding with the boy on the pool’s slide. Details on the incident, including if the boy’s family was aware Joseph needed help, remains unclear.
Joseph’s body went undetected by swimmers, lifeguards and pool managers until Tuesday. The cause of death is still under investigation.
According to reports, the pool opened for the season on Saturday, June 25 without a health permit required by municipal authorities. A health inspector allegedly noticed the lack of permit on Monday, and on Tuesday a health inspector examined the pool. The inspector noted “cloudy” water on his report, but approved a permit. Joseph’s body was discovered later that day.
Twenty-four state-run pools were closed for inspection after the discovery. The two Fall River health inspectors involved with the Vietnam Veterans Swimming Pool permit were placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Lifeguards and staff members of the pool have also been put on leave.
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