News

Landscaper drowns in Cutchogue swimming pool

A landscaper who sought to cool off by taking a dip in the pool at the Cutchogue residence where he was working with his father apparently drowned Wednesday afternoon, Southold police said.

Walter Jose Gomez, 18, of Cutchogue was found at the bottom of the pool on Little Neck Road by his father, Arnaldo Gomez, 46, also of Cutchogue, at 3:38 p.m., according to police. Cutchogue and Southold Fire Department rescue personnel responded and performed CPR before the younger Mr. Gomez was taken to Eastern Long Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to police Walter Gomez told his father he was going to jump in the pool to cool off and did so against his father’s wishes. When Arnaldo Gomez finished the job he was working on he went to look for his son and found him the pool, police said.

It was unclear whether Walter Gomez knew how to swim.

Southold detectives are continuing the investigation.