A man in his 50s is in critical condition after being found unresponsive in a pool at Discovery Cove, an aquatic park and sister site to SeaWorld Orlando. According to ClickOrlando, the incident occurred early Monday morning and the individual was quickly transported to a local hospital.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office has provided few specifics about the incident, securing the scene as they continue with their ongoing investigation. No further details about the man's identity or the circumstances leading to the situation have yet been released, as reported by WESH.
Following the emergency call just after 10 a.m., deputies and the Orange County Fire Rescue team responded to the park. The man was transported to Orlando Health Doctor Phillips for a possible drowning. Discovery Cove released a statement on the day's grim events, stating, "Our staff responded to a medical emergency involving a guest this morning. Our team provided care and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue. When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital," according to a park representative, "Our thoughts are with this family and out of respect for their privacy", as per FOX 35 Orlando.
This occurrence at Discovery Cove casts a shadow on the park known for its interactive experience with marine life, including offering visitors the chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel among tropical fish. This incident aligns distressingly close to another tragic event less than two months prior when a 13-year-old reportedly drowned in one of the park's pools.
