Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

St. Pete Beach Fire Department

Robert Schmedes (Deceased)
DOB: 09/13/1931

Ursula Schmedes (Wife of Deceased)
Age: 05/05/1928

What:
Pinellas deputies are investigating the drowning of an 87-year-old man in St. Pete Beach.

When:
The incident occurred at about 3:23 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Where:
The incident occurred in the waterway behind a private residence located at 3666 Belle Vista Drive East, St. Pete Beach

Why/How:
At about 3:23 p.m. on May 22, 2019, deputies were dispatched to a private residence located at 3666 Belle Vista Drive East in St. Pete Beach, in reference to a drowning.

Deputies were informed that 87-year-old Robert Schmedes and his wife, 90-year-old Ursula Schmedes, entered the waterway directly behind their home for a daily swim.

According to deputies, Ursula reported that while swimming, Robert suddenly appeared in distress and submerged in the water. Ursula swam to Robert and struggled to hold his head above water until paramedics and deputies arrived and pulled Robert from the waterway.

Deputies say, neighbors witnessed the incident and called 911 to assist Ursula and Robert.

Paramedics performed life saving measures and Robert was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The incident does not appear suspicious.

The investigation continues.