Two Iowa schoolteachers, 60 and 57, found dead in backyard swimming pool after accidental drowning
DAVENPORT, IOWA: An Iowa school district is in mourning after two of its teacher died in a tragic accidental drowning this past week. Mark Anderson, 60, of Eldridge and Kenneth Anderson, 57, of Bellevue, Iowa, both teachers at Bellevue School District, were the victims.
The tragic discovery was made after deputies from the Davenport Police Department were dispatched to a residence on the 1100 block of Jersey Ridge on reports of two deceased males in a pool around 8:53 pm on July 22, according to a press release.
The joint account for the Bellevue middle and high school confirmed their death in a Facebook post and said they would have counselors on campus to help anyone who would need it.
"Ken Anderson, a teacher and coach at the Bellevue MS/HS, lost his life in a drowning accident yesterday," they wrote, adding, "A former Bellevue Teacher, Mark Anderson, was also a victim in this accidental drowning death."
Ken reportedly taught social studies and coached bowling at the middle school and high school while Mark was a retired science teacher from North Scott High School who was working in Bellevue.
"There will be 'listening' and counseling services offered at the Bellevue MS/HS Wednesday throughout the day beginning at 9:00 and into early evening," the post continued. "We do not have a lot of other information at this time, but services are pending," it said.
Despite sharing a common surname, police said there was no relation between the two victims and that a preliminary investigation indicated that both died of an accidental drowning.
PEOPLE cited the Scott County Auditor's Office and reported that neither men were residents of the home where they were found dead. Online documents from the office said the home belonged to John K. Wisor, the owner of the 11th Street Precinct Bar & Grill in the village of East Davenport.
Officials are looking at the deaths further and anyone with any information on the incident has been advised to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip via the mobile app entitled “CrimeReports by Motorola.”
Memorial services for the pair will be held jointly on July 27 at the Weerts Funeral Home at 3625 Jersey Ridge Road between 9 am and 12 noon.