ST. CROIX, US Virgin Islands (15 July 2008) — An autopsy on a Virgin Islands diving accident victim found that he drowned. Master Sgt. Douglas M. Lowery, 41, died while diving with snorkeling equipment off St. Croix on June 8 during a U.S. Air Force reserve training flight layover. Lowery was diving with three other crew members who told police he told them he was not feeling well and started swimming back to shore. He never made it despite efforts by the other crew members to rescue and revive him. Lowery had 22 years of military service including about one year with the 445th Air Wing, a reserve unit stationed at Wright-Patterson. As an aeromedical evacuation technician, Lowery was required to participate in monthly training missions. Lowery is survived by his wife and two children. A funeral service for the veteran airman was held on June 17. | 
