By Randi Pierce
Staff Writer
A 77-year-old Albuquerque man died while at The Springs Resort Monday morning — the result of underlying heart problems.
George Petroboulos, 77, of Albuquerque, was vacationing with his brother and sister-in-law when he was discovered not breathing in one of the resort’s pools, according to Coroner Carl Macht.
Macht said the brother and sister-in-law had moved to different pools and were out of sight of Petroboulos when another woman discovered him and called for help. A resort employee and off-duty paramedic from Denver immediately began CPR.
The incident was reported to Archuleta County Combined Dispatch at about 11:30, and Macht arrived by noon, after individuals attempted to resuscitate Petroboulos for about 20 minutes. It was later discovered Petroboulos had a “do not resuscitate” order.
Macht said the incident was investigated jointly with the Pagosa Spring Police Department and it is believed Petroboulos did not drown, but that his heart stopped. He had a history of cardiac disease and had been living in an assisted care facility in Albuquerque.
Macht said a combination of cardiac factors, altitude and the hot water likely contributed.
“It was just too much stress for his heart,” Macht said.
randi@pagosasun.com
