ASO investigates apparent accidental drowning at Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park

Press release from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent accidental drowning that occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2026, at the swimming pool located within Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park, 100 Castle Drive in Gainesville.

At 6:25 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a possible drowning at the Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park community pool. Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive adult male submerged in the deep end of the pool.

Deputies immediately entered the water and removed the victim from the pool before initiating life-saving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Alachua County Fire Rescue personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The deceased has been identified as Gildan Cornelious, 20, of Chicago, Illinois. Next of kin has been notified.

The preliminary investigation, including review of surveillance video and witness interviews, indicates Mr. Cornelious entered the deep end of the pool with an 11-year-old child. Investigators determined the child was able to safely exit the pool, while Mr. Cornelious failed to resurface. An adult who arrived moments later immediately called 911 after realizing Mr. Cornelious was underwater.

During the investigation, detectives learned that neither Mr. Cornelious nor the child knew how to swim. At this time, there is no evidence of foul play, and the incident appears to be an accidental drowning.

The District Eight Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Because an 11-year-old child witnessed and was directly involved in this traumatic incident, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with victim advocates to ensure appropriate counseling resources are made available.

The investigation remains active; however, no criminal activity is suspected at this time