55-year old David Prentkowski and granddaughter found dead in bottom of family swimming pool

Authorities in South Bend, Indiana, said it is likely they will never know what caused the director of food services at the University of Notre Dame and his 18-month old granddaughter to end up in the bottom of his swimming pool Thursday night.

David Prentkowski’s wife told authorities her 55-year-old husband took their granddaughter, Charlotte Chelminiac, for a walk around 7:00 p.m. Thursday and after thirty minutes went by she sent her son to look for them.

She said her son found the duo at the bottom of the swimming pool.

Prentkowski, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October, was pronounced dead at the scene.  His granddaughter was rushed to a hospital, where she died a short time later.

Both deaths are being ruled as accidental drowning.