After Husband's Tragic Death in Bedford Pool, Widow Donates Organs

Dess Domingo said her husband, James Javier, was a loving husband and the type of person who wanted to help others.

She said he told her if something were to happen to him, he wanted to make the ultimate gesture of help and donate his organs.

When he died Monday afternoon from injuries he suffered Saturday after diving into a pool at a Bedford residence, she followed through on his wishes.

"He was a good husband, and a loving father. I know he would have wanted to help someone," said Domingo.

Javier, 34, who lived with his family in Richmond Hill, Queens, worked in building maintenance at a Manhattan apartment building. He is survived by Domingo, and their two children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.

Domingo said they were attending a barbecue with friends at the residence on Guard Hill Road when the swimming accident happened. They were invited guests of the homeowners, who were away for the weekend, she added.

According to Bedford police, Javier dove into the shallow end of the pool and hit his head. Officers responded to a call from the house at 1:48 p.m. Saturday, and arrived to find another pool guest administering CPR to Javier, who was lying down next to the pool. 

Emergency responders were unable to fine Javier's pulse at the scene. Javier, who had a large contusion on the side of his head, was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital and then apparently regained his pulse, said Dickan.

He was later transferred to the Westchester County Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries.