CT State Employee Drowns In Wolcott Swimming Pool: Police

WOLCOTT, CT — A local man drowned in a backyard swimming pool on Cedar Avenue Sunday night, according to police.

Deputy Chief Sara Carrillo identified the victim Monday as Pradesh Ragunauth, 46, of 77 Cedar Ave.

Police said they responded to the victim’s residence around 11:17 p.m. Sunday night and found him unresponsive in the pool.

Emergency responders removed the man from the water and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They transported the victim to Bristol Hospital, but he passed away, police said.

The incident remains under investigation, police said Monday.

Ragunauth was a state employee who worked for the Department of Social Services as a social services investigator. He was part of the department’s quality assurance unit in its New Britain office, according to Jalmar De Dios, a department spokesperson.

“The Department of Social Services mourns the tragic loss of our dedicated employee, Pradesh Ragunauth, who passed away Sunday,” the department said, in a statement issued Tuesday.

“His commitment to serving our community was profound and his absence leaves a significant void," the statement said. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Support services are being provided to staff, and we honor Pradesh’s legacy of compassion and service.”

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