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Autopsy pending on scuba diver who died in La Jolla

An unconscious scuba diver was pulled from the ocean Saturday during a group outing near La Jolla Shores, lifeguard officials said.

LA JOLLA (CNS) - An autopsy was pending Sunday on a scuba diver who reported problems breathing off La Jolla Shores, then fell unconscious, possibly because of a medical problem.

The man, whose name was withheld, was diving with friends when he surfaced shortly after 8 a.m., said he was having trouble breathing and was helped into a boat, according to lifeguards.

The diver, believed to be in his 40s, was brought ashore, and lifeguards started CPR to no avail. He was later declared dead. Authorities withheld his name.

Investigators at the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death.

 

THIS IS AN UPDATED STORY. For the original copy, read below. 

LA JOLLA (CNS) - A scuba diver reported breathing problems during a group dive outing near La Jolla Shores Saturday and died, police said.

Lifeguards were alerted to the diver, believed to be in his mid- to late-40s, who was reportedly having difficulty about 8:30 a.m., according to city lifeguard Lt. John Everhart.

San Diego police said the diver reported having trouble breathing a few minutes after returning to the boat from a dive.

The diver was in "very serious medical condition," when lifeguards and his fellow divers brought him to shore, where lifeguards began CPR, Everhart said.

He was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Everhart said.

San Diego police said he later died.

They believed a health issue led to the death, not a scuba or drowning accident. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to determine his cause of death.

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