EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The Monday deaths of three members of the same family have been ruled accidental drownings, New Jersey’s Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed late Tuesday afternoon.
The victims have been identified as Bharat Patel, 62, his 33-year old daughter-in-law Nisha Patel and her 8-year-old daughter, who was unnamed, NJ.com reported.
#UPDATE: We‘re back in East Brunswick where a 32 yo mother, her 8 yo daughter, and another relative (a 62 yo man), died in the backyard pool Monday afternoon.
— Darlene Melendez (@DarleneMelendez) June 23, 2020
According to neighbors, the family had just moved in and gotten the pool serviced. They were excited to use it @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/TjJmEsGY9o
According to neighbors, all three family members moved into the Clearview Road home recently, and a pool company had been on site in recent weeks to prepare the property’s above-ground pool for use, the media company reported.
A neighbor who heard screaming from the residence just after 4 p.m. Monday called police.
Although the prosecutor’s office ruled the deaths accidental drownings, WPVI reported authorities have contacted an electrical contractor to investigate the scene because they believe an electrical issue in or near the pool could have contributed to the deaths.
East Brunswick Police Lt. Frank Sutter said at a Monday afternoon press conference that all three victims died at the scene.
“We believe the mother was calling for help from inside the pool,” Sutter said.
East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen said in a statement provided to NJ.com: “The entire East Brunswick community is shocked and saddened to learn of the three deaths yesterday in Frost section of the township. Our condolences go out to the family and may they find strength from the community that shares in their grief.”
Cox Media Group
