Weight belt likely cause of firefighter's death

Authorities believe an extra weight belt used by an Arlington Heights firefighter contributed to his drowning Sunday while cleaning a swimming pool.

Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller said Tuesday the additional weight probably caused Don Swisher, 51, to expend his oxygen supply quicker than usual.

Crews found the weight belt after draining the pool at Discovery Day Camp in Indian Creek, Lake County Keller said.

Keller believes the veteran firefighter was wearing the extra belt along with his regular scuba gear while cleaning the pool. He did such work as a side business.

Swisher had tied the extra belt to himself with rope, Keller said. He initially wondered if Swisher or his equipment had become trapped on the bottom of the pool but said Tuesday's investigation dispelled that theory.

A co-worker found Swisher in about 12 feet of water Sunday afternoon.

Swisher, of Wonder Lake, joined the Arlington Heights Fire Department in 1992. He was a member of the department's water rescue and recovery dive team, among other assignments.

Funeral arrangements are pending.