Memorial To 3 Who Drowned In Pool Grows, Investigation Continues

PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4) - The pool where two sisters and their babysitter drowned on Monday remained closed on Tuesday during the police investigation. A memorial to the children, complete with balloons and stuffed animals, had begun to grow near the gate to the pool.

The two girls, Amaya Gandarilla, 5, and Azucena Gandarilla, 3, and their 17-year-old babysitter, Joo Lee, drowned in the pool at the Pueblo Grande Village mobile home park located on the north end of Pueblo.

The sign at the pool reads "No Lifeguard On Duty."

Investigators are not sure if the two little girls went into the water first and the teen went in after them, or what happened leading up the drowning. Officers hope witnesses who saw the girls at the pool will come forward.

Officers and Good Samaritans in the area tried to administer CPR but were not able to revive any of the girls.

"It's the most horrible thing that has ever happened while I've lived here," said resident Linda Ford.

Police said the investigation continues but do not suspect foul play. They believe it was a tragic accident.

"You've got to be really careful because it could happen so easily," said one woman who lives in the mobile home park.

Some residents told CBS4's Tom Mustin that there were rumors of electrocution and a possible seizure by the teenager.

"Three kids in a pool, you would think that logically they would be able to care for each other. Especially with one of them being a 17-year-old. So, that kind of makes me a little suspicious," said resident Ian Linderman.

Authorities say the pool reached a depth of about 8 feet.

The Pueblo Grande Village released this statement regarding the drownings: "We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss. The families are in our thoughts and prayers."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for funeral arrangements for the sisters.