PORT WASHINGTON, Wisconsin — A member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Hoofer Scuba Club died while scuba diving in Lake Michigan. Authorities told CDNN that child psychiatrist, Dr. Deep Varma, 41, of Verona, was among a group of 13 Hoofer Scuba Club members on a club dive trip with Pirates Cove Diving of Milwaukee when he was fatally injured. Witnesses said Dr. Varma and the other divers were about four miles southeast of Port Washington at the site of the Northerner shipwreck, which is about 40 meters (130 feet) deep. Dr. Varma, who had about 50 dives logged, descended with a buddy diver at about 10am but started to experience breathing problems soon after they reached the bottom. Apparently he lost consciousness during an emergency ascent and crew aboard the Pirates Cove Diving dive boat started CPR after they pulled him back onto the vessel. The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department said Dr. Varma was pronounced dead at 11:18 am after he was brought back to shore. The scuba diving fatality was the second in just over two weeks in Lake Michigan. On June 27, CDNN reported that Philip Patz died while deep diving in the same area. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Varma's death was the fifth fatality involving its Hoofer outdoor recreation clubs. Hoofer Outdoor Programs director, Jim Rodgers, said there are about 100 members in the Hoofer Scuba Club and all are certified to dive by PADI. The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department said the fatal scuba diving accident is under investigation and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Witnesses can contact the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department at (262) 284-7172. | 
