Diver in Sarasota spear-fishing accident succumbs to injuries
By AMARIS CASTILLO acastillo@bradenton.com
July 8, 2015 Updated 4 hours ago
SARASOTA -- A Sarasota diver involved in a spear-fishing accident over the holiday weekend was removed from life support and passed away Wednesday, according to a statement released by Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Jarrod Ditmars, 21, was hit in the head by a spear gun after his friend, Dale H. Bartush, 24, accidentally discharged it underwater.
At about 2 p.m. Saturday, Sarasota police officers went to a reported diving accident near Twin Bridges east of the Sarasota Yacht Club on John Ringling Causeway. After the accident, Bartush took Ditmars to the surface and began yelling for help, police spokeswoman Genevieve Judge said. When emergency medical services arrived, Ditmars was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Ditmars' parents, Robert Ditmars, a longtime area resident and travel coordinator, and Maribeth Ditmars, a longtime teacher, submitted the following statement: "As the parents of Jarrod Ditmars, we would like to thank the community of Sarasota and surrounding areas for their kind, caring and compassionate support of our family during this tragic time. We will never forget what you did for our family (and his brother, Chris, in 2001). "Jarrod was removed from life support today and departed for heaven."
Three recipients in Florida will receive Jarrod's organs. "We ask that everyone join us in our campaign to create safety measures and appropriate regulations for the use of spear guns. That is how we can all honor Jarrod's memory."
The Jarrod Ditmars Fund created Sunday has raised $11,310. Support has poured in on the GoFundMe page with people sending prayers and support. Ditmars' mother, Maribeth Ditmars, wrote she was "overwhelmed with gratitude for the support we are receiving from all over."
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