Oak Village man dies after diving in quarry

5/28/2002

PORTAGE, Ohio - An Oak Village, Ohio, man died Sunday after he became ill while scuba diving at Portage Quarry on State Rt. 25, authorities said.

William Tatarko, 43, was transported by a ProMedica helicopter to Toledo Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:49 p.m. An autopsy is scheduled for today, Dr. Diane Barnett, a Lucas County deputy coroner said.

Mr. Tatarko, who was taking a scuba class at the quarry, surfaced about 3:15 p.m., complained of fatigue, and sank below the surface.

Witnesses immediately pulled him out of the water, tried to resuscitate him, and called 911, Dr. Barnett said.

A news release from the Wood County Sheriff's Office said it received the report of the incident at 3:46 p.m., and the county's emergency medical service and central joint fire department responded.

The incident remains under investigation.