On April 6, emergency responders were called to the Verdugo Hills YMCA concerning a possible drowning. According to the LA County Coroner’s Office, the victim was a 77-year-old woman. They have determined the death an accident caused by drowning.

Vince Iuculano, chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Foothills, released the following statement.

“Over the last 64 years, the YMCA of the Foothills has taught hundreds of thousands of people to swim and enjoy the water safely. Ensuring all children and adults are safe in the pool is a top priority for our YMCA. The safety and security of all members, employees, families, visitors and volunteers is the highest priority for the YMCA of the Foothills. We place great attention and energy on providing communities with a safe environment, and we will continue to do our utmost to protect everyone who visits the Y. 

“The YMCA of the Foothills continues to mourn the loss of our member Geghetsik Avdalyan, 77, of Tujunga. Geghetsik was a member for seven years and enjoyed using the Y with her husband and daughter.

Geghetsik died on April 6, 2022, while using the pool at the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA in the presence of her family. To date, our internal review shows that our staff acted immediately and appropriately. The lifeguard, along with other staff, immediately began life-saving efforts until the Los Angeles Fire Dept. paramedics arrived and took over the life-saving procedures. During and after the medical emergency, YMCA staff was with the family members.”