Jacksonville Man Dies in Florida Keys Diving Accident
Friends noticed he was missing, then found him shortly after in 10 -15 feet of water

Posted Thursday, October 6, 2011

 
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Big Pine Key – A 62 year old Jacksonville man diving from a private vessel offshore of Big Pine Key was found dead today by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Tow Boat U.S.

Charles Newman was on board the 25 foot Seawind vessel with five other friends, including the boat’s owner, James Williams, also of Jacksonville. Four of them, including Newman, had reportedly been diving since 9:30 a.m.; the others told Detective Jason Madnick they’d last seen him in the water between 10 and 11 a.m. When the others climbed on board the boat, around 11:30 a.m., they realized he was not with them and they couldn’t find him. They called the Coast Guard for assistance.

He was found a short time later, in the center of Bogie Channel, in about 10 – 15 feet of water. His body was brought in to the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp.

An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of his death.