Man dies in freak snorkeling accident during Christmas vacation with family: Police

A Missouri man vacationing in the Florida Keys with family reportedly died Christmas Day in a freak snorkeling accident.

The Springfield News-Leader reported that Owen Holmes, 69, from Ozark, was visiting Florida with family and boarded a boat operated by Starfish Snorkeling in Marathon near Sombrero Key lighthouse. While snorkeling five miles offshore, Holmes experienced some sort of issue and was dragged onto the boat, according to police.

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Crew administered CPR until the U.S Coast Guard could arrive and transport him to shore. A sheriff’s report indicated that Holmes was taken to Fishermen’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Local police said in a statement that the 69-year-old had various medical conditions and that there was no sign of trauma or injury.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine Holmes’ cause of death.

Missouri man dies snorkelingA Missouri man died while snorkeling Monday.69 year old Owen Holmes of Ozark, Missouri…

Posted by MCSO – Florida Keys on Tuesday, December 26, 2017

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