At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, emergency crews responded to a report of an unresponsive female at the Ulster County Pool in New Paltz. Lifeguards immediately removed the individual from the water and began life-saving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). An on-site EMT, who was stationed nearby at an event at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, responded immediately to assist.
The patient, a 62-year-old Napanoch resident, remained unresponsive and was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary information suggests that a medical event occurred while the individual was in the pool. An investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We commend the swift and professional response of the lifeguards and EMT on the scene,” said Everett Erichsen, director of the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office wellness team was deployed to support pool staff, and the pool was shut down for the remainder of Saturday, as part of standard protocol.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the individual during this difficult time,” said Erichsen.
“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss, and we are holding them in our thoughts,” said county executive Jen Metzger. “I also want to express our appreciation and gratitude to the Ulster County lifeguards and emergency responders who acted so quickly and skillfully in the face of a crisis. Their immediate, calm, professional response in such a high-stress situation speaks volumes about their training and their care for the people they serve.”
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