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By Jennifer M. Fitzenberger
Arizona Daily Wildcat
November 15, 1996
University police reports released yesterday show that police were investigating the possibility that the near-drowning of 22-year-old Maryam Kavoosi at the Student Recreation Center Nov. 7 may have been a suicide attempt.Lifeguards pulled Kavoosi out of the Rec Center pool after they noticed her lying motionless in the water. Kavoosi was unconscious and not breathing when she was rescued.
In 22 pages of police reports, which were reviewed by the University of Arizona attorneys' office Wednesday, Mohamad Kavoosi, Maryam Kavoosi's brother, and Monica Durand, Maryam Kavoosi's roommate, said Maryam Kavoosi had suffered from depression during the past two years and was taking medication.
Durand also said her roommate had displayed suicidal signs and thoughts to her and other friends.
Maryam Kavoosi's ex-roommate and friend, who was only identified by first name in police reports, confirmed that Maryam Kavoosi had had suicidal thoughts, the reports stated.
Maryam Kavoosi's family, however, told police they strongly believe the incident was an accident, not an attempted suicide.
Mohamad Kavoosi told police his sister had never displayed suicidal signs around him. He said he believed his sister would never attempt suicide in the water because swimming was her "escape goat" from the world, police reports stated.
"She is a great swimmer and she really loves the water," Mohamad Kavoosi said yesterday. "Everyone is wondering why this happened because she is such a good swimmer."
Witnesses said Maryam Kavoosi was a regular swimmer at the pool.
Police searched Maryam Kavoosi's vehicle and apartment for signs of attempted suicide with negative results, police reports stated.
Katsura Nakajima, a friend of Maryam Kavoosi who was not present when the incident occurred, told police that her friend had allergies and a breathing problem. She also said Maryam Kavoosi often coughed severely at the pool.
Parwathi Paniker, a seven-year friend of Maryam Kavoosi and a University Medical Center employee, told police that Maryam Kavoosi has had chronic bronchitis and has been taking antidepressant medication.
According to police reports, Paniker said Maryam Kavoosi was severely depressed and had mentioned wanting to die. Paniker also told police, however, that Maryam Kavoosi had never attempted "any type of suicide or injury."
After the incident, Maryam Kavoosi was transported to UMC's trauma unit and moved to intensive care upon being revived and stabilized. Shortly after being admitted, doctors said she was breathing with the assistance of a respirator and displaying signs of stimulation, police reports stated.
Mohamad Kavoosi said his sister has undergone many tests, including a CAT scan and an MRI. He also said she was put on dialysis yesterday when one of her kidneys quit working.
Although Maryam Kavoosi is in a coma and listed in critical condition, her brother said he has seen her move her hands and legs. It was not known, however, if any permanent damage had occurred.
"All of Maryam's friends and family are very concerned, but optimistic about her recovery," he said.
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