Family, friends and classmates gathered in front of Turlock High School on Tuesday night to remember 17-year-old Angel Dominguez, Jr., who died Monday after being pulled unconscious from the THS pool late Friday night.
According to the Turlock Unified School District, a group of youth which included Turlock High students entered the locked and secured Turlock High swimming complex around 11:30 p.m. Friday.
An unknown number of individuals were in the pool when they noticed Dominguez had not surfaced and ran to find the THS Athletic Trainer, who was still on campus following the evening’s football game.
The youth told officials that they were unable to bring the student to the surface. The Athletic Trainer immediately called 911.
Multiple Turlock Police and Fire units responded at approximately 11:51 p.m., according to Fire Captain Jason Bernard. The police officers who were first on scene jumped in the pool and pulled Dominguez out of the water and immediately began CPR. When Turlock Fire units arrived, they took over CPR, with the American Medical Response ambulance personnel providing advanced life support.
Crews performed CPR for approximately 22 minutes before a pulse returned and Dominguez was then transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Many tears were shed Tuesday night at the candlelight vigil as friends shared stories about Dominguez and his siblings recalled his loving spirit.
“It’s been real rough. It’s been real tragic for us. I just want to thank family and friends for the support and the community out here showing love and support for my little baby brother,” said Angel’s older brother Antonio Rosales.
Dominguez’s sister Selena Rosales said that she believes what happened wasn’t an accident and she believes someone did something to her brother.
“We will get justice for my brother,” Selena Rosales said.
According to Turlock Police Captain Steve Rodrigues, there is an active death investigation.
“There is nothing that stood out that leads us to believe his death was suspicious in nature,” Rodrigues said.
He encouraged anyone with information about the incident to call the Turlock Police Department at 209-668-1200 and ask for Sgt. Mike Stapler.
Dominguez’s family created a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.
“Angel was an amazing kid, very loving, funny, caring, and protective over his family and friends. A 17 year old who lost his life too soon,” wrote Selena Rosales on the fundraiser page.
The GoFundMe page can be found under Angel Dominguez Jr.
“He was a real loving and caring kid. He had a good heart. He was funny and outgoing. He loved sports and loved anything football…He loved to spend time with his nieces, nephews and cousins,” said Antonio Rosales.
“He was a real good uncle, a real good brother, a real good grandson, son, nephew, cousin; he was well loved by his family.”
