Night Swim Turns Deadly: 20-Year-Old Dies After Secret Pool Break-In in Germany

2026-06-22

A 20-year-old man died after a late-night break-in at an outdoor swimming pool in Lower Bavaria, turning what appeared to be a reckless adventure into a tragedy.

According to police, five young men aged 19 to 24 climbed over the fence of a *Freibad* (outdoor swimming pool) in Hohenthann near Landshut at around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities were alerted after receiving reports of a group inside the closed swimming facility.

The 20-year-old suffered severe injuries, reportedly while jumping into the pool. Emergency responders treated him at the scene before rushing him to a hospital, where he died several hours later. Police described the incident as a tragic accident.

Investigators are now focusing primarily on determining the exact cause of death. Authorities also stated that alcohol may have played a role in the incident, although no further details were released. A separate investigation into possible *Hausfriedensbruch* (trespassing) is also underway.

Following the accident, the municipality temporarily closed the outdoor pool on Sunday before reopening it on Monday. Hohenthann mayor Andrea Weiß said the community is deeply saddened by the loss. She noted that while people occasionally enter the pool area at night, no serious incidents had occurred there before.

Ralf Großmann, head of the Bavarian association of swimming instructors, warned that the tragedy highlights the dangers of entering enclosed outdoor pools after hours. He explained that no lifeguards are present at night, meaning there is no immediate help during emergencies such as diving injuries, unconsciousness, or medical crises.

Großmann also emphasized that risks increase during tropical nights, when fatigue, alcohol, peer pressure, and overconfidence can cloud judgment. He stressed that nighttime closures are meant to protect lives and urged people not to underestimate the danger, saying no one should take such a risk.