A Wyomissing man, 36, was the person pronounced dead Tuesday in an apparent drowning in a neighbor’s swimming pool, Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel announced Friday.
Patrick T. Barrett was found floating in the pool in the 1400 block of Cleveland Avenue about 5:30 p.m. by another neighbor, who called police. Barrett resided with his wife and their young son a few doors away from the property.
Deputies with the coroner’s office pronounced Barrett dead at the scene.
Barrett is the son of Berks County Judge Patrick T. and Paula Barrett.
According to authorities, the homeowners were not home when the body was discovered but had given permission to Barrett to use the pool. He is believed to have gone swimming around midnight — a little more than 17 hours before he was found.
Stitzel said he is awaiting the autopsy report before issuing a ruling on the cause and manner of death. Based on the preliminary investigation, however, the coroner said it appears to be an accidental drowning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barrett family and their loved ones during this difficult time,” the coroner said in his announcement of the death.