PARIS, Texas (22 May 2008) — Othel Smith's friends say he could not wait to get out into the world, get his diving license and become a professional diver. He served time in the Coast Guard on the cutter Spencer and told his Coast Guard friends in Boston he was excited about a career in diving. He found work with a contract diving company, International Diving Services in Arlington. He was engaged to be married, and according to friends, was "on top of the world." Monday, May 12, he descended into a water storage tank in Paris, and lost his life. According to police reports, he drowned when the storage tank pumps turned on, pinned him and sucked his breathing apparatus away. Smith, known as OD to his friends, was a part of a three-man diving team, one in the water, one on standby and one monitoring the progress of the diver in an equipment truck. "The pumps were off when he went into the tank," said Paris City Manager Kevin Carruth. "But the pumps are automatic and turned on while he was diving." The accidental drowning still is under investigation by local authorities and by OSHA. Meanwhile, his Coast Guard friends are closely watching the investigation. Christopher Eidschum, who was stationed with Smith in the Coast Guard, passes the information on the case along to other Coast Guard friends. | | Othel Smith and his fiancee, Smith died at the age of 25 after a diving accident in Paris, Texas. Diane Potter, mother of Smith's fiance, said: "I would appreciate any information you can gather to help my daughter get through this tragic incident." Friends and co-workers at International Diving Services are mourning Smith's death. Owners Patricio and Rachel Corbani expressed their sorrow. "International Diving Services is grieving the loss of a fine young man and a valued employee," said Patricio Corbani. "OD demonstrated dedication, loyalty and a strong work ethic every day." Carboni said Smith was well liked. "Everyone who worked with OD felt his passion for diving, positive attitude and sense of humor and inspiration. We will never forget how OD touched our lives and forever will be a hero in our hearts," he said. SOURCE - The Paris NewsSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
