PORT JERVIS – Thirty-nine-year-old Pawud A Pratt, of Port Jervis, lost his life Sunday afternoon in the backyard pool of a single-family residence located at 61 Sussex Street.
Port Jervis Police told late Sunday that Pratt, along with his two children, had been invited as guests of the owner to swim in the pool. While Pratt stepped into the house to get lifejackets, the children entered the pool without him.
Upon seeing one of his two children struggling in the pool, Pratt immediately entered the in-ground, fenced-in pool to help. According to Police Lt. John Fitzpatrick, both children were in the pool but only one was struggling. He said the children were in the pool for a matter of minutes, and were out of the pool when a neighbor and homeowner removed the drowning victim and began CPR.
“This is certainly one of the most awful tragedies a family can experience. Horrible. Breaks my heart,” Lt. Fitzpatrick said.
Port Jervis Fire Department’s Water Operations Team responded to the scene moments after a call for help was placed. They took over CPR, and Police and EMS arrived moments later.
Assistant Chief Chris Southard said upon his arrival less than two minutes after the call for help was received, he and two other firefighters performed CPR as EMS administered medicine. Responders called for a LUCAS automatic chest compression device, which was quickly delivered and applied, but was unable to revive the victim.
A close friend of Pratt’s said many are devastated by the tragedy that occurred over a period of just minutes.
“He always looked out for people, even if he didn’t have it to give,” said close friend Jay Boston. “He was a loving dad. He cared about his kids a lot. They were always by his side. He took good care of those kids. He went to work every day and made sure they had everything,” said his friend. “He is a hero. He saved his kids.”
Those who responded and many in the community are also sharing in the sadness of the tragedy. Grief counseling has been offered to responders by Orange County Peer Support, as is routinely available for any responder to a traumatic event, or who may be dealing with any difficult situation.
Southard said as firefighters, they deal with a lot. Yet, this does not make such encounters easier.
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