80-year-old man found in pond behind Durham senior community

At 9 a.m., police surrounded the pond located behind Emerald Pond, a community along 205 Emerald Pond Lane, about five minutes from Duke University.

Authorities have identified the man as David Aaron Rosin of Durham. According to officials, Rosin was already dead when officials arrived, according to Durham Fire Chief Chris Iannuzzi.

Police said the man suffered from a cognitive impairment and had wandered off from the senior living community.

"We are devastated and deeply saddened to learn of the incident that took place near the Emerald Pond Independent Living Community," Darla Kestle, a spokeswoman for the community, said in a statement. "Our hearts and sympathies go out to the family during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family's privacy, we cannot discuss any further information."

Unlike assisted living centers or nursing homes, independent senior communities have no state oversight.

Independent living communities offer housekeeping and transportation, while assisted living provide 24-hour help with activities such as bathing, dressing, meals and medication, Kestle said.

"I don’t think it’s anybody’s fault. I think it’s just one of those sad things," Emerald Pond resident Wendell Twist said Monday.

"You would see him every time you went into lunch," resident Helen Bookman said of the deceased man. "I wish they would’ve told us right away what had happened."

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Search and Recovery Team recovered the body from the water.

The death does not appear to be suspicious, but an investigation was underway.