Deerfield Man Dies After Being Found Unresponsive In Recreation Center Pool

DEERFIELD, IL — A 56-year-old Deerfield man died after he was found unresponsive in the swimming pool at Sachs Recreation Center last month, according to a published report.

Guixing Hu was found in the pool at the recreation center, 455 Lake Cook Road, on the morning of July 31, Lake and McHenry County Scanner reported Tuesday.

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Emergency crews were called to the facility around 7:15 a.m., according to the report. CPR was being performed and an automated external defibrillator was in use before first responders arrived.

Hu was taken to Highland Park Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Patch has reached out to the Lake County Coroner's Office for additional information about the investigation and cause of death.

Cause Of Death Remains Under Investigation

Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that investigators initially believed Hu may have suffered a medical emergency, but the circumstances later raised the possibility that drowning played a role in his death.

An autopsy found some evidence consistent with drowning, according to the report, but additional microscopic testing is being conducted to help determine whether a medical event caused Hu to become submerged or whether drowning was the primary cause of death.

A final cause and manner of death have not yet been announced.

Sachs Recreation Center is operated by the Deerfield Park District and includes a four-lane, 20-yard indoor lap pool. The water ranges from 3 feet, 6 inches to 4 feet, 6 inches deep, and lap swimming is available by reservation.

Remembered As Father, Scholar

Hu's obituary, published Aug. 5 by Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home & Crematory, said he was born and raised in Guiyang, China. He met his future wife, Wei Wang, while attending Nanjing University, and the two married in 1995. They later raised two children, Ellyn and Elvin.

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

The obituary described Hu as active and disciplined, with interests that included swimming, running, fishing, soccer, tennis and pickleball. It also remembered him for cooking elaborate meals for family and friends and for his generosity toward others.

Hu is survived by his wife, two children, mother, brother and other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life was held Monday at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home in Highland Park.