Former WWU faculty member dies poolside at student recreation center
An initial report of a person in distress was followed by the announcement of a death on the Western Washington University campus Friday afternoon.
A swimmer appeared distressed on the side of the pool at the Wade King Student Recreation Center around noon. Lifeguards provided aid but the person soon became unresponsive.
The swimmer has since been identified as 74-year-old Joann Otto, according to Whatcom Medical Examiner Deb Hollis. Otto was a former instructor and chair of the biology department at Western Washington University.
Otto was not a Western Washington University student, WWU Communications Director John Thompson told The Bellingham Herald.
An initial campus advisory incorrectly stated Otto was found underwater at the campus swimming pool, Thompson said. The death does not initially appear to be a drowning.
Lifeguards and staff began to perform CPR, and responding EMTs could not revive Otto, according to the initial campus advisory sent out at 1:30 p.m.
The pool was closed for the rest of the day Friday.
This story was originally published March 22, 2024 at 4:19 PM.
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