FREEPORT, Pennsylvania (29 Aug 2005) -- A diver with Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 died Sunday as a result of a diving accident in the line of duty Saturday, Fire Chief Mark Marmo said in a release. Michael Switala, 50, of Oregon Drive in Lower Burrell was an 18-year member of the department, having served in several offices within the organization, Marmo said. Switala died as a result of accidental drowning in Lawrence County, the Allegheny County coroner's office said Sunday night. Scott Camerlo of Scott's Scuba in Freeport said Switala was participating in a night diving exercise at a lake near Slippery Rock when the accident occurred. "It appears to have been some type of medical condition that caused him to go unconscious under water," Camerlo said. Switala's diving buddy during the exercise saw that Switala's mouthpiece to his air tanks was out of his mouth and that Switala appeared to be unconscious, Camerlo said. The diving buddy brought Switala to the surface where Camerlo and three others in the diving group performed CPR until emergency medical workers arrived, Camerlo said. | | Switala was first taken to United Community Hospital in nearby Grove City, then transferred to UPMC Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh, Camerlo said. He said Switala was a member of a specialty diving course offered by Scott's Scuba. Camerlo is a master diving instructor and a U.S. Coast Guard master captain. A firefighter at the Lower Burrell No. 3 said Marmo was unavailable for comment and more details about Switala's death would be released as they became available. Switala is survived by his wife, Aimee, daughter Heather and two sons, Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron Switala and Matt Switala. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. A memorial fund is being established to aid the family, according to the release. SOURCE - Valley News Dispatch |
