Tragedy at Fountain Lake Apartments: 27-Year-Old Man Drowns at Bradenton Pool Party

What was meant to be a night of summer celebration ended in tragedy early Monday morning when a 27-year-old man drowned in the pool at the Fountain Lake Apartments in Bradenton. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. during an unauthorized gathering at the apartment complex’s pool.

According to authorities, a group of approximately 25 people had assembled at the pool for a party—despite the area being closed and unlit at the time. At some point during the gathering, bystanders noticed a man at the bottom of the pool. The victim, later identified as Tchaly Orphee, was pulled from the water and bystanders immediately began CPR in an attempt to revive him.

Emergency medical services and sheriff’s deputies arrived within minutes and continued life-saving efforts. Sadly, Orphee was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the pool area was not only closed but also lacked proper lighting, making it difficult for partygoers to see what was happening in or around the water. Friends of the victim informed investigators that Orphee was not a strong swimmer and likely slipped beneath the surface unnoticed by those around him.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has found no indication of foul play, and the circumstances point to an accidental drowning. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to gather witness statements.

Legal Considerations in Apartment Pool Drownings

While no criminal charges have been filed at this time, this incident raises serious premises liability concerns. Under Florida law, property owners and managers, especially of apartment complexes, have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for residents and guests. This duty includes properly securing pool areas after hours, ensuring adequate lighting, and taking reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access, especially when those areas pose obvious dangers, such as deep water.

If it is determined that the apartment complex failed to secure the pool or failed to install working lights or signage, the property owners or management company could face civil liability for wrongful death. In such cases, surviving family members may be entitled to damages for funeral costs, emotional distress, and the loss of financial or emotional support.

Florida courts evaluate premises liability claims based on several key factors:

• Was the pool adequately secured after hours?
• Was there clear signage warning guests not to enter?
• Did poor lighting or lack of fencing contribute to the accident?
• Were property owners aware of previous after-hours pool access or similar safety concerns?

If the answers to these questions point to negligence, the property owner may be held legally responsible for failing to uphold a duty of care.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional death in Florida, especially among young adults and children. Many of these incidents occur at residential or commercial properties where safety standards are not properly enforced. In cases where a pool is easily accessible despite being “closed,” or lacks basic safety features like lights, life-saving equipment, or visible warning signs, property owners can and should be held accountable.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of pool safety and responsible property management. Apartment complexes must ensure not only that pool areas are secured after hours but that adequate lighting and supervision are in place during operational times.

If your loved one has been injured or killed in a pool-related accident, it is essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Time-sensitive evidence—such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs—can play a crucial role in establishing liability.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida in premises liability and wrongful death claims. We understand the immense emotional and financial toll of these preventable tragedies and are committed to helping families seek justice and accountability.