Gabriel Crowther, a 39-year-old father of four children has died in a swimming pool while trying to see how long he could hold his breath for inside the water.
According to a report by Metro, Gabriel Crowther died on Saturday after he lost consciousness during the stunt at Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center in Salt Lake City.
He was pulled from the pool by lifeguards who performed CPR, but tragically died at the scene.
Unconfirmed reports said Gabriel was wearing scuba gear at the time, with a Unified PD spokesman saying he was ‘practicing holding his breath’ when he passed out. They added that pool workers knew of Gabriel’s habit of doing so.
The pool was shut for an investigation, which police are treating as an accident.
They have speculated that Gabriel may have suffered an unexpected medical issue.
The pool at Kearns Fitness Center, where the accident happened
A GoFundMe page set up by relative Jackie Nielson Hales paid tribute to the dad, saying: ‘Those who knew Gabriel knew him as easy to love and one who gave his heart to everyone he encountered.
‘He brought the best out of people and left them better than he found them. His zest for life will surely be missed but not forgotten.’
His nephew Sam Nielson also paid tribute on Facebook, writing: ‘You’ll be missed uncle Gabe!’
And friend Idena Suzanne said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we part with Gabriel Crowther.
‘All of my love to Dana J Stephens Crowther, Frank Crowther and Ginger, Caleb, Naomi, Kjirstiana, and Torden, and the rest of my Crowther Clan.
‘Gabe was mentor to my sons and dear to me and so many who knew him.
‘I will forever hear him playing Wish You Were Here under the stars at the cabin, with all of us singing.’