The family of a Bridgeport man who drowned June 1 in Fountain Lake is considering filing a lawsuit against the City of Ansonia.
Jorge Ortiz died in the lake on the Ansonia-Seymour border while swimming with friends during a particularly hot day.
Jeanmarie Riccio, a lawyer representing Ortiz’ family, sent a letter to Ansonia City Hall Nov. 29 putting the city on notice.
The letter indicates Ansonia could be liable for the death because officials “did not post any restrictions relative to swimming or water conditions” at Fountain Lake at the time of the young man’s death.
In an interview with the New Haven Register shortly after the drowning, both former Mayor James Della Volpe and police spokesman Lt. Andrew Cota said “no swimming” signs should be placed along the shores of the lake in Ansonia and Seymour to keep people out of the water.
The park is a popular fishing and bird-watching spot. It features hiking trails as well.
The state medical examiner’s office ruled Ortiz’ death was an accident. The official cause of death was “asphyxia by submersion.”
The letter from the attorney advises Ansonia that the drowning victim’s parents, Eddie Ortiz and Angela Hernandez, will be seeking an unspecified amount of damages in connection to the incident.
