How Did 73-Year-Old Pedro Gonzalez Die?

Police are investigating the death of seventy-three-year-old Pedro Gonzalez, who was found face down in a shallow pool of water on Thursday night. Pedro was discovered by his son, James Romero, after he returned to their home in the Fresh Pond community. Initial investigations indicate that Romero died by drowning. News Five’s Britney Gordon had more details.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

After a long day of work, Burrell Boom resident, James Romero, was eager to get home and relax with his family.  Instead of a calm evening, he had anticipated, Romero made a heartbreaking discovery- his father, Pedro Gonzalez, was lying dead in a pool of water.

 

James Romero, Son of Deceased

“ Basically when I arrived home yesterday I realized that none of my lights was on  And I instantly began looking for him and healing him and I didn’t have any response of him. So  I went looking around the yard when I located one of his shoes outside the pond. And I looked inside and I saw him floating in the water.”

 

Based on the scene, Romero says he knew something tragic had transpired, prompting him to contact the police instantly.

 

James Romero

“Basically, when I see him, I don’t see his body look stiff and things, so I don’t know if he’s unconscious already. So, immediately, I contacted the police.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And you said that the scene surrounding him was very strange because of some items that were scattered around?”

 

James Romero

“Well, everything may look strange to me because I find his wallet and his phone and one of his shoes outside of the water. So, I don’t really basically know what’s the issue, but  I find it very weird.”

Gonzalez was found with blood pooling from his face, a side effect that may occur to a drowning victim. However, Police are still awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the cause of death. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, provided an update.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The issue in Fresh Pond is an elderly citizen who was found in a motionless state, Police and the scenes of crime processed the scene. The body was examined and exhibited no signs of violence. The body is at the morgue, and we await a post-mortem examination to be able to determine a cause of death.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Any sort of troubling or has he been on you guys’ radar for any reports?”

 

Chester Williams

“No.”

 

Some speculate that Gonzalez may have been drinking, however, Romero revealed that his father wasn’t really a big drinker.

 

James Romero

“He didn’t went anywhere that day. So I don’t, don’t think he was drinking or anything. He actually don’t even like to drink. He don’t drink like that. He will take one beer or so now and again, but it’s very rare for him to take a drink. And he didn’t went anywhere. Like I told you that day, he was home all day.”

 

Romero and his family are still reeling from the shock and a feeling of unease has settled amongst them, as they ponder what could have led to Pedro’s death. According to Romero, his father was a hardworking man, just trying to make ends meet even in his old age.

 

James Romero

“My father was a strong old man. He get up every day and do his work at his age for 74 years that he have, he was very strong. He can still ride bicycle. He goes around do, do his little work and stop to survive.”

 

Romero acknowledges that his father’s death may have occurred due to his old age but is waiting for the authorities to make the final determination.

 

James Romero

“He basically look like he mi di get weak and things certain times, so it could be that he fell in the water and so, but  we’re not sure as yet.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.