Renowned musician Gus Ormo has been found dead and "tied up with a cord" at the bottom of his swimming pool in Florida. The Venezuelan composer and pianist was discovered face-down in the water at his home in Weston, near Fort Lauderdale, on Friday (October 16).
Homicide investigation launched
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation, labelling the incident as "suspicious". Police were summoned to the residence at 9am on Friday following a 911 call reporting a potential drowning, with the emergency dispatcher stating the man was "tied up". Ormo was declared dead at the scene.
Footage secured by local broadcaster WPLG Local 10 appeared to show a length of blue cord extending from the shrubbery into the pool, though it remains uncertain whether this was the cord used to bind Ormo.
Neighbours and family react
Neighbours expressed their shock to NBC 6: "It's sad what happened, and it wasn't something I expected to happen in Weston."
Ormo's sister Antonionieta Ormo confirmed his passing to CBS News Miami, but stated that the family has received no additional information from authorities regarding the circumstances.
Investigation ongoing
His body was transported to the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death, and police have yet to confirm whether a crime has taken place.
A representative for Broward Sheriff's Office said: "On scene, emergency crews located an adult male submerged inside of a pool and pronounced him deceased. Detectives with BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene Units were notified and are on scene investigating the circumstances surrounding this suspicious incident."
Earlier this month, Ormo was actively promoting his latest album, AGAPE, describing the instrumental piano collection as: "In a world that makes us experience emotional numbness, the album is an invitation to feel without filters or need for words. It's my way to give back to music all it has given me."
