Officials release scene, seek clues in teen's pool death

Andrea Blanford Image
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Pool death investigation continues
Authorities release the scene, but are still searching for clues as to why a pool became electrified.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Wake County Sheriff's Office is still searching for clues as to what caused the community swimming pool where a 17-year-old lifeguard died Saturday, to become electrified.

Rachel Rosoff, a senior at Enloe High School, was on duty and alone Saturday when a fellow employee showed up for work and found her floating face down in the water.

Rachel Rosoff died after going into a pool that had electrified water
WTVD

"She was right up against the ladder, looking like she has almost just gotten in and something must have happened," the employee said in a 911 call.

WANT TO HELP RACHEL ROSOFF'S FAMILY? CLICK HERE TO DONATE ON GOFUNDME

A sign posted near the pool's entrance states the premises is under video surveillance. Sheriff Donnie Harrison told ABC11 that investigators were planning to return to the scene Wednesday to see whether the incident was caught on camera.

By late Wednesday afternoon, the sheriff's office released the scene, but said it's continuing to work alongside the NC Department of Labor and the Wake County inspections department.

The pool has passed county safety inspections the last two years. The county does not inspect or regulate electrical systems.

PREVIOUS STORY: INVESTIGATORS WORK TO FIND CAUSE OF ELECTRIFIED WATER

The state Occupational Safety and Health Division, under the labor department, said its investigation into whether health and safety standards were violated could last three to four months.

Heritage Point's Homeowners Association owns the pool. Professional Property Management, which runs the HOA, released the following statement to ABC11 on Wednesday:

"We are devastated to hear about this tragedy and our deepest sympathy is extended to the family. We are working to the fullest extent possible with investigators. At this time we are unable to comment further since this is an active investigation," said Brooke Hoff, of PPM.

WATCH: Classmates remember Rachel Rosoff

Students at Enloe High School returned to school with heavy hearts

According to PPM's website, it serves neighborhoods across the Triangle and nearly a dozen surrounding cities including Wake Forest, Cary, and Apex.

Rachel's funeral is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

TIPS FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY AROUND POOLS AND HOT TUBS (.pdf)

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