A tragic incident at a Bradenton apartment complex pool has left a community in mourning. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the death of Tchaly Orphee, a 27-year-old man who drowned during a late-night pool party. The incident occurred at the Fountain Lake Apartments, where authorities responded to a call at around 1:30 a.m. today, as reported by WTSP.
Orphee was discovered by party-goers lying at the bottom of an pool, a space that was closed to residents and devoid of lighting at the hour of the gathering. Despite the swift efforts of bystanders who administered CPR until emergency personnel arrived, Orphee was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m. According to witnesses speaking with deputies, Orphee was recognized as not being a strong swimmer, and likely went unnoticed as he slipped beneath the water's surface, as detailed by WFLA.
The Sheriff's Office's investigation indicates no suspicion of foul play, suggesting that the drowning was accidental. Deputies reported that around 25 people were present at the pool during the time of Orphee's drowning. This communal space at the Fountain Lakes Apartments south of Bradenton became an impromptu scene of peril rather than celebration, with attendees left to grapple with the immediate shift from festivity to tragedy, as mentioned in a report from FOX 13 News.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has not released additional details about the victim beyond his name and age.
