NEWPORT BEACH : Victim Identified in Golf Course Death

A man who died after jumping into a water hazard at the exclusive Big Canyon Country Club while chasing his dog has been identified as Harold D. Neuman of Newport Beach, police said Friday.

Neuman, 60, jumped into a pond near the 15th hole of the course Thursday night to stop his dog from chasing ducks, police said. As his wife watched, he swam out into the obstacle and suddenly became submerged.

Sgt. Andy Gonis said Neuman’s body was found in about 15 feet of water after a futile effort to rescue him by neighbors and firefighters. He was pronounced dead at Hoag Hospital shortly before 10 p.m.

Coroner’s officials said Friday that an initial autopsy was inconclusive, so further tests will be take place to determine whether Neuman suffered a heart attack.

Neuman, a semi-retired painting contractor who lived on Sea Pine Lane near the course, was on an after-dinner walk with his wife about 8 p.m. when their Brittany spaniel jumped into the pond.

After his wife called for help, firefighters aided by a helicopter combed the 50-yard-by-200-yard pond for more than 15 minutes. Then they found Neuman in the middle of the hazard.