Student who drowned in Florida was a 'tragic accident'

Jack Chisholm, from Burford, travelled to Bokeelia on Monday, June 4 this year to work in a tortoise sanctuary.

On Friday, June 9, the 21-year-old was found unconscious at the bottom of a 4ft deep pool.

He was pronounced dead at 6.39pm.

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An inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (December 13), heard the biology student had no signs of trauma and no documented history of mental health problems or long-term health issues.

Senior coroner Darren Salter said the student’s death was a ‘tragic accident’ and noted it was ‘difficult’ to understand what had happened.

The court heard that Jack had been working in Florida as part of his degree.

Stephanie Darber, who worked with him, told the sheriff’s department in Bokeelia that Mr Chisholm would often take a siesta in the afternoon due to the heat.

The Florida site where the pool was (Image: Google Maps)

She said: “We take care of the property and the tortoises for [the owners]. Jack got up in the morning and in the afternoon when it was hot he would take a siesta and go in the pool.

“After his siesta, he would ask what else needs to be done.”

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Ms Darber became concerned when she hadn’t heard from Mr Chisholm and went to look for him.

Her sister, Brook, then found him at the bottom of the pool. She jumped in, pulled him out and started compressions while her sister called 911.

“He was young and full of life and well-travelled,” said Ms Darber.

“He never mentioned any health conditions and he was perfectly happy.”

The American medical examiner declared Mr Chisholm's death was an accidental drowning.

The inquest heard there was no evidence of third-party involvement or foul play.

Coroner Mr Salter said it is possible Mr Chisholm could have had a medical episode, noting he once commented on a ‘flutter in the chest’ but added there were no physical signs of this.

“There’s uncertainty in how and why he entered the water,” he said. “So we’re left speculating.

“A narrative conclusion allows us to say what we do know and don’t know but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it was a tragic accident.”

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He closed the inquest into Mr Chisholm’s death with a narrative conclusion.

Mr Chisholm’s family, who attended the inquest, added that they too believe it was an accident and there’s ‘nothing that stands out’ that makes them concerned.