Hotel deaths consistent with drowning, provisional post mortem results show

Provisional results of the post mortem examinations on the man and woman found under water in the swimming pool at Down Hall Country House hotel in Hatfield Heath, on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, have shown their deaths were consistent with drowning.

The man, who was in his early thirties, and the woman, in her early twenties, were found by hotel staff, who dived into the pool to try to save them. Despite efforts from the staff and ambulance crew, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were called to the hotel on Saturday evening at around 7.35pm. They say that they are investigating the circumstances leading up to their deaths but are treating them as non-suspicious.

Further routine tests will be undertaken and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Chris Falcus, manager of Down Hall, said: "We wish to reiterate our condolences to the friends and families of the lady and gentleman concerned. Both myself and the team at the hotel are deeply upset by what has happened.

"The results of the post mortem examination have concluded that the deaths of the two people were consistent with drowning, which puts an end to inappropriate speculation about our facilities."

The couple were are believed to be from the London area. They were staying at the hotel together but their relationship is currently not known. Both were wearing swimwear when they were found under the water.

The man has been formally identified, but the woman is yet to be identified. It is expected that their names will be release at the opening of the inquest hearing.

Two found dead at Hertfordshire country house hotel >>