I found out about the dive accident on Monday morning. As an acquaintance of Dan it hit me very hard. I also deal with his brother Mark, as he is the manager of a LDS. Dan loved to dive, and dove year round. He dove off the Jersey Coast all summer with the Seeker. This was a diver with considerable experience on every type of dive. He had a rebreather, and loved using it. The email I got didn't say what equipment he was using, but the equipment was looked at quickly and nothing appeared wrong. This happened at the end of the dive only a few feet offshore with other very experienced divers. If this can happen to Dan it could happen to anyone.
This may have been a medical problem that could of happened anywhere. Unfortunately it happened underwater. The email I got said after the safety stop (and all appeared well) the group headed into shore. This was a group that dived the same lake, every Thursday, all year long. ( For those unfamilair, Willow Springs is a small, manmade lake,
http://www.willowspringspark.com ) Dan trailing behind was normal, so nobody panicked right away. After 10 minutes the group started a search for him and found him 20 feet from the dock. We all have to remember that something like this CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MANY CERTS. AND DIVES YOU HAVE UNDER YOUR BELT. As a buddy, we all must recognize the potential for trouble, especially in low. viz. areas. Just because the diver at the back of the line is the most experienced, doesn't mean an unknown medical problem may not instantly strike. And after a kick cycle or two, the person at the back is out of sight and out of helps way. I prefer to have my buddy right on my side, so I can him (most of the time it is my wife, so her) without moving my head.
We will have to wait for a doctors report in the next few days as to the cause of his death. But my deepest regrets go out to the family, the LDS family and all those that new Dan.
This is especially hard for me since my wife and I leave for a dive trip to Cayman Brac tomorrow. I will surely keep my eye on my buddy the entire time. There is a local memorial service for Dan on Saturday, May 3. As a diver we are all linked to a special family. Just like firefighters or police, we as divers all need to remember a fallen friend. So I ask all of you to take a minute and think of Dan on Saturday.