RANTOUL, IL (Chambana Today) — A 59-year-old man from Rantoul, identified as Shawn Barrigher, died Monday following a medical emergency at the Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center.
According to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office, Barrigher was rescued from the pool by lifeguards and transported by EMS to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:45 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Officials said lifeguards removed Barrigher from the water within seconds of noticing the emergency and began CPR immediately. First responders from the fire department, police department, and Arrow Ambulance arrived on scene within three minutes to provide additional emergency care.
“Despite the outcome, Rantoul Fire Department and the Village of Rantoul would like to recognize the heroic efforts of our lifeguards,” officials said in a joint news release. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are asking the community to keep Barrigher’s family and all involved in their thoughts.