Mees Died In Accidental Drowning

ESPN sportscaster Tom Mees died in a drowning accident, the state medical examiner ruled Thursday.

No other factors were listed on the death certificate, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office said.

Mees, 46, was pulled from a neighbor’s pool on Wednesday. His wife told police he couldn’t swim.

At first, police said Mees jumped into the pool to save his 4-year-old daughter Gabrielle, but authorities later said that account could not be confirmed. The only people present during the accident were Mees and his two daughters, Gabrielle and 8-year-old Lauren.

Police said Thursday that their investigation of the case is closed. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Ricky Craven drove a Chevrolet to the pole for the Detroit Gasket 200 with a lap of 174.965 mph at Michigan International Speedway. The Grand National race is scheduled at the 2-mile track on Saturday at noon.

Twenty-five racers qualified today, and the remaining 15 spots will be determined today.

On Thursday, Spokane’s Chad Little finished sixth in his Pontiac at 173.720.