Kids, YMCA Cope With Teacher's Death

Children and their parents were saddened Wednesday to learn that their swim teacher at Niles' Leaning Tower YMCA had died Tuesday night.

Claire Neuberger, 31, who had taught swimming to 6 to 10 year olds since January 2011, suffered a seizure at the pool and later died. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday night she died of ruptured aorta dissection and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, describing them as natural causes of death.

Earlier:

Counselors were on hand at the YMCA Wednesday for both Neuberger's co-workers and her young students, said Sherrie Medina, vice president of marketing and communications for YMCA Metro Chicago.

"It's really tough. Everyone really loved her here very much," said Medina. "I did some of the calling to the parents--one said their son loved her, and he was taking his fourth class with her because he loved her so much."

"It's like a family here at the YMCA," she added.

Neuberger had just finished teaching a class and was in the water when she had a medical emergency, Medina said, characterizing it as "something from inside her body."

Lifeguards, and staff immediately administered lifesaving efforts, including CPR and a heart defibrillator, until Niles paramedics arrived, continued lifesaving efforts and took her to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Medina said. Neuberger's husband was notified and went to the hospital, and a few staff members went there to support him.

The YMCA did not know of any underlying medical condition which Neuberger may have had, Medina said. She described Neuberger as a master swimmer and very athletic. 

One Leaning Tower Y blog entry described how Neuberger taught blind children to swim. 

Amanda Yeast, executive director of the Leaning Tower YMCA, said in a statement, "Claire was an energetic and passionate swim instructor, and very accomplished swimmer.  Her talents and dedication will be greatly missed by all of us who worked with her, and the members and families whose lives she touched in such a positive way."