LANAI, Hawaii (15 Feb 2007) -- An autopsy shows a Punahou School teacher who had been on an excursion with students drowned Sunday in waters off Lanai. Jeremiah Johnson, 36, of Honolulu had been free diving from a student research vessel before being found unconscious underwater. Attempts to revive him failed. Dr. Anthony Manoukian, Maui County coroner's physician who did the autopsy Wednesday, said there was no evidence of injury or disease to Johnson. "He seemed to be in very good shape," Manoukian said. "It looks like he drowned. He probably passed out in the water." He said Johnson, who had been free diving since age 10, had dived to the ocean floor in water 90 feet deep. Johnson was seen surfacing and had reached a depth of 40 feet when witnesses saw him become motionless and sink to the bottom, according to the police investigation. | | Crew members aboard the vessel Raptor put on scuba gear to retrieve Johnson, Manoukian said. Police said Johnson entered the water near "Shark Fin Rock" about 120 yards from the south shore of Lanai. Police were called at 10:50 a.m. to respond to Kaumalapau Harbor where Johnson was brought to shore. He was one of 14 adults on an ocean excursion with 98 students, according to the school. SOURCE - The Maui NewsSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
