Teen lifeguard electrocuted in Labor Day weekend accident

The preliminary autopsy for a Raleigh teen found unresponsive in a community pool in Raleigh's Heritage Point neighborhood on Saturday afternoon confirmed her family's theory that she was electrocuted.

Posted 5:34 p.m. Sep 5, 2016 — Updated 2:25 a.m. Sep 6, 2016

RALEIGH, N.C. — The preliminary autopsy for a Raleigh teen found unresponsive in a community pool in Raleigh's Heritage Point neighborhood on Saturday afternoon confirmed her family's theory that she was electrocuted.

Rachel Rosoff, 17, was found in the pool on Valley Forge Road and pulled from the water at about 2:30 p.m., according to authorities.

Rosoff was a student at Enloe High School, and she worked as a lifeguard at the community pool through the Aquatic Management Group.

A relative told WRAL News that Rosoff was alone at the pool at the time of her death. They believe she was holding a metal bar for support when she reached into the water to check the chemicals.

In a call to 911, another pool worker described finding Rosoff facedown in the water and feeling a shock in trying to pull her from the water.

"I can't get in to get her in the pool. The water seems to be electrified in some sense," the caller said. "I tried to jump in to touch her and as soon as I touched it, I felt a shock run through me."

A preliminary autopsy report released Monday afternoon found "results ... consistent with the decedent entering the pool that had an electrical charge that may have rendered the decedent unconscious apparently leading to drowning."

"We are shaken by the loss of such a vibrant young life. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family in this time of unfathomable grief. We are cooperating with investigators in every way possible and are hopeful that the investigation may provide an explanation for this tragedy," a spokesperson for Aquatic Management Group said in a statement.

Rosoff was also remembered by a food pantry where she volunteered. In a Facebook post, the Food Ark called her "the epitome of passion and energy with direction."

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