Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Autism and a seizure disorder likely played a role in a Sugar Hill teen's drowning death this week, officials said.

Shea Mitchell, 18, was found at the bottom of a hot tub at his family's home on Emerald Parkway Tuesday evening. He was treated at the scene and transported to Northside Forsyth Hospital but could not be resuscitated.

Ted Bailey, the county's chief forensic investigator, said an autopsy was performed late Wednesday. Drowning was declared the official cause of death but Bailey said Mitchell was autistic and had a seizure disorder, which is believed to have contributed to his death.

Mitchell was a student at Lawrenceville's Hooper Renwick School, which serves students with emotional and behavioral difficulties.