So sad. I dove twice last year in Cozumel and im going again next Sept. I am very impressed with the safety of the boats, captains and crew ...we always board early and check the O2, and first aid on the boats...all was in order...the DM's explained each dive well and the dive plans...unfortunatly i did observe divers who would not dive the plan or follow directions of the DM...I actually saw a diver, when signaled by the DM to surface due to low air, refuse to do so and continued his dive..
Ultimately it comes down to each diver being responsible for themselves...They are all certified and have the right to refuse to follow directions...the only thing the boat operators can do is refuse to take them out again....49 is a young age (i know some think this is old) how ever there can be health issues from heart/ lungs to just good ol panick...now one here can know what happened until the medical is released...however many times that is given to the family and the family does not make it public....unlike others here i would not dream of making a conclusion or statement of what occured without first hand knowledge...to do so would be hurtful to all and very irresponsible...