Cardiac event said cause of pool death

The cause of death for a Colfax man who was stricken while swimming at the Colfax pool last Wednesday was a cardiac event, County Coroner Peter Martin reported Tuesday. David Futchko, 32, was pronounced dead at Whitman Hospital last Wednesday after he was pulled from the swimming pool.

Colfax Police Chief Rick McNannay said pool lifeguards saw Futchko fall backwards into the pool after he appeared to have difficulty while attempting to exit on a pool ladder. He sank to the bottom and veteran lifeguard Matt Scholz pulled him out of the pool and began CPR. He was estimated to have been under water for no more the 20 seconds, the chief said.

Martin said Futchko sustained terminal arrhythmia due to acute heart congestion. He said the arrhythmia probably started when Futchko made an extra effort to climb out of the pool.

Martin said the investigation determined Futchko had passed out at least two times earlier last Wednesday and apparently decided to go swimming at the pool in an attempt to feel better.

Swimmers were evacuated from the pool which remained closed until the evening open swim session.

A memorial service for Mr. Futchko will be Aug. 23, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Colfax.