Stephen Smith, 42, the owner of Quality Pool & Spa, in Utah, was killed while maintaining a residential swimming pool. OSHA is still investigating the details of this tragic incident. It was caused by a swimming-pool filter top that popped off and shattered Smith’s head.
Smith and his wife Janine Smith purchased Quality Pool and Spas in Spring 2022. Smith was a nurse before he became a pool technician. Smith and his wife met in the Air Force where he worked as a flight nurse for the Air Force Reserve. He began his career as an amateur firefighter.
Janine said that Smith had a passion for serving. He was a volunteer search and rescue for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office where he often responded to distress calls by hikers or others in dangerous situations.
Greg Anderson, Smith’s next-door neighbor, organized a GoFundMe to help the Smith family. Anderson stated that the money would be used to help the Smith family pay for “end-of life” medical expenses, and also finish a project Smith started in his back yard.
Anderson, in a letter to Service Industry News, said that Anderson was “a very handy man” and had rebuilt the backyard.
Anderson said that Smith had rebuilt the back deck of his house after removing it. He also built a separate garden area for Janine in the yard.
Smith’s family and friends, along with funds raised through GoFundMe will help complete the project Smith is no longer able to finish. Anderson stated that their friends and neighbors are returning the love.
Anderson says, “The money is nice and important. But this guy deserves to be recognized.”
Smith leaves behind two daughters, Lillian, and Abigail Smith, as well as his wife Janine.
