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Officials ID three people who drowned at Durham apartment complex

Authorities on Wednesday identified the three people who apparently drowned at an apartment complex in Durham during a late night swim.

Posted Updated

By
Sarah Krueger & Claudia Rupcich
, WRAL reporters
DURHAM, N.C. — Authorities on Wednesday identified the three people who apparently drowned at an apartment complex in Durham during a late night swim.

Officials identified the victims as Abril Yuliana Flores-Ojeda, 15, Brian Manuel Benites, 16, and Luis Enrique Delgado-Romero, 21, all of Durham. They were rushed for medical treatment to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The victims had been pulled from the pool at Chapel Tower Apartment, located at 1315 Morreene Road near Duke University, after emergency workers arrived at the complex around 3 a.m. Authorities said the three did not live at the complex. Investigators said foul play is not suspected but the investigation continues.

First responders performed CPR on the victims at the scene before they were taken to the hospital. Officials said there is no sign that the three were electrocuted.

Police said a total four people were swimming at the pool after hours, but the complex has 24-hour security, neighbors said.

"I was just kind of shocked about the pool because the pool is the life of the place," said Sandra Henderson, who lives at Chapel Tower. "The kids always want to get in the water and have fun. I just hate that this happened. I really do. I hope and pray that living in a community, everybody will be watchful..."

A sign by the pool showed that it had been inspected on June 8. John Williams with the Durham County Health Department did the inspection.

"It was actually in very good condition," he said.

But anyone who would have entered the pool after hours would have to jump the fence.

"That seems to be a big problem, at least that's what is being reported to me when I've been doing inspections," Williams said.

It was not clear when the pool's electrical system was last inspected.

According to officials, county inspections do not cover electrical issues, instead that would be done by a private contractor.

The pool was closed until the county is able to inspect the area.

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