Discuss the ambiguous circumstances surrounding Sheswick's death. How does his death reveal the influence McMurphy has over the patients?

Cheswick drowns in the pool; the mystery of his death questions whether it was an accident or a suicide. Cheswick was one of the more verbal patients and was willing to stand up to Nurse Ratched. Because McMurphy does not support Cheswick and then Cheswick dies, McMurphy feels that his support of others and his plan to perhaps disrupt the hospital routine could happen after all.