Ohio man, 46, dies during diving class

8/12/2012
BLADE STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

GIBSONBURG, Ohio -- A Sugarcreek, Ohio, man died Friday during an advanced diving instruction class at White Star Quarry, authorities said.

Michael Burgan, 46, was more than 15 minutes into his second dive of the day about 2:15 p.m. when he surfaced from about 40 feet of water, said Steve Gruner, director of the Sandusky County Park District.

There was no earlier indication that the diver was having a problem, but at the surface, "he indicated he was having some distress," Mr. Gruner said. Mr. Burgan, who was a certified diver, lost consciousness and went under water, Mr. Gruner added.

The diving instructor recovered him from a depth of 61 feet.

Mr. Burgan was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Lucas County coroner's office for an autopsy. No further information was available Saturday.

The dive team operated by the county sheriff's office and the Ballville Township fire department was on scene to investigate.