Deerfield Man Dies After Being Found Unresponsive In Recreation Center Pool

DEERFIELD, IL — The Lake County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a 56-year-old Deerfield man died after being found unresponsive in the swimming pool at Sachs Recreation Center last month.

Guixing Hu was found unresponsive in the pool July 31 after an unknown amount of time, according to information provided to Patch by the coroner’s office.

Hu was transported to Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

The cause and manner of death remain pending further medical and microbiology studies, the coroner’s office said.

Investigation Continues

Lake and McHenry County Scanner first reported Tuesday that emergency crews were called to Sachs Recreation Center, 455 Lake Cook Road, at about 7:15 a.m. July 31.

The outlet reported that CPR was being performed and an automated external defibrillator was in use before first responders arrived.

Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton previously told the outlet that the incident initially appeared to involve a medical event, but investigators were also examining whether drowning contributed to Hu’s death.

The coroner’s office told Patch Wednesday that it did not issue a media release in the case and that its investigation remains ongoing.

Sachs Recreation Center is operated by the Deerfield Park District and includes a four-lane, 20-yard indoor lap pool.

Remembered As Father, Scholar

Hu’s obituary said he was born and raised in Guiyang, China, before attending Nanjing University, where he met his future wife, Wei Wang. The couple married in 1995 and later raised two children, Ellyn and Elvin.

Hu went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and began his career as a geochemist before moving into computer science and finance. He also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

His obituary described him as an active person who enjoyed swimming, running, fishing, soccer, tennis and pickleball, as well as cooking for family and friends.

Hu is survived by his wife, two children, mother, brother and other relatives and friends.