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Days After Michael Phelps Revealed the Horrifying Drowning Numbers, 34-Year-Old Loses Life While Swimming at Home

Published 07/16/2023, 7:52 AM EDT

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Fatality in the world of swimming is not uncommon. Speaking on the matter, legendary swimmer Michael Phelps gave some jarring numbers that are quite unsettling—4000 annual drownings, out of which 23% are children losing their lives in residential pools in their parents’ presence. His apprehensions took a tragic form as another devastating drowning incident took place at a residential locale in the city of Ponca, USA just two days ago. He was just 34. 

On Friday, the local patrols were called to a residential property near West Ponca Avenue and South Oak Street. This is where the officials found an unresponsive Earl Howe at the bottom of his residential swimming pool in the 340 block of S. Oak Street. Locals sprung into action and he was later shifted to the nearby hospital. However, it was too late for Howe.

Earl Howe found unresponsive at home

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According to the KOCO News, On 14th July 2023, Earl Howe left the world and was found cold at the bottom of the swimming pool. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that Earl Howe had been enjoying a swim in a residential pool before the fateful event happened. 

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He was immediately admitted to the hospital, but despite such efforts, emergency staff members declared him dead. The heartbreaking incident has deeply impacted the swimming community and put stark questions on the safety of the swimmer. Now the burning question arises: What is the reason for his death?

The exact reason for his death remains unclear. Police authorities are still under investigation. However, the swimming community is left grappling with questions and seeking solace in each other’s support during this difficult time. Just a while back, Phelps highlighted an NDPA study that called out for attention. 

Read More: Despite Being on Foreign Soil, Retired Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Once Destroyed All Records Proving to Be the True King

NDPA laid the ground rules for water safety

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Water fatals are no joke, and it has been a major cause of death tolls in the past couple of years. The legendary swimmer Michale Phelps had previously shared an alarming stat with the world on this grave concern.

He previously said, “4000 annual drownings” and “23% child have died in the swimming pool in front of parents.” The stats were originally shared by NDPA, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, where they posted a detailed description of this grim fact. The Instagram post by NDPA went, “During family gatherings, there is a lot of distraction and commotion. Children can sneak off to water features unnoticed.”

A link in the bio further revealed the five steps to prevent such tragedy – “Barriers & Alarms”, “Supervision”, “Water Competency”, “Life Jackets”, and “Emergency Preparation”.

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Adding to this has been Earl Howe’s untimely death while swimming at home serves as a significant reminder of the concerning risks associated with water-based activities. In connection to this, Phelps had also initiated efforts in this direction through the Michael Phelps Foundation over a decade ago. However, these major issues call for higher initiatives and securities.

Watch This Story: Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps Applauds the Young Prodigy Who Broke the 200m LCM Record After 22 Years

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Written by:

Harshita Chawla

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Harshita Chawla is a US Sports writer at Essentially Sports. Having contributed to college magazine as a sports writer, she comes with a staunch knowledge in content creation for the sports industry. Along with this, Harshita is a huge fan of Gymnastics queen Simone Biles and has a penchant for writing about her favorite athlete.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel