Tyler LaZerte celebrates '7th birthday' after near-drowning

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Tyler LaZerte is 21 years old, but he’s celebrating what he calls a 7th birthday after he nearly died back in 2009. LaZerte was 14 when he was at a friend’s pool and slipped underwater. He suffered a seizure and sank to the bottom of the pool.

LaZerte was underwater for two minutes before he was pulled out. His recovery has been incredible.

“I was a strong person. I really didn’t want to die. And that’s the reason I am here.” LaZerte said.

He was in a coma with his heart flat-lining twice.

"No, I should not be here. I'm positive I should not be here, but I know I am here right now for some other reason." LaZerte said.

He believes he’s here to educate others on the dangers of silent drowning.

FOX 9 ARCHIVE - Drowning is Silent

The Fox 9 Investigators story, Drowning is Silent, has been viewed across the globe. Tyler LaZerte hopes the message is saving lives.

"When you think about drowning, you think about flailing and people like that. But in fact, there are not that many flailing victims in the drowning scenarios. Usually very silent. They go under water and no one knows about them." LaZerte said.