Diver Fatality at Blue Springs

[L Roebuck]

Diver Fatality

JACKSON CO., Fla. - Despite the heavy effort of rescue workers and volunteers, a diver did not make it out of Blue Springs alive Monday afternoon, after he became stuck inside one of the spring caves.

The deceased’s name and address had not been released as of Monday evening, pending notification of his family.

According to an on-scene witness, the man’s diving partner surfaced and called for help after discovering that his friend was lodged under a ledge in a constricted section of the cave.

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[L Roebuck]

Diver Identified

Officials release details surrounding diver’s death

By KATE McCARDELL
Floridan Staff Writer

Officials confirmed Tuesday the identity of the diver who died inside a spring cave at Blue Springs Recreational Area, as well as other details surrounding his death.

Jackson County Sheriff John McDaniel said Harry Milliser, 48, of Dogwood Heights in Marianna, died of drowning Monday after becoming stuck in Jackson Blue, the spring cave that lies in close proximity to a recreational diving board inside the park.
Milliser is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was the owner/operator of Air Services, where he designed and built automotive paint booths.

According to McDaniel, Milliser had been a certfied open-water diver for over 20 years, but he did not have required certification for cave diving. Milliser had frequently dived at other caves, including Twin Caves and Hole-in-the-Wall at Merritt’s Mill Pond in Marianna.

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[Brian Roebuck]

The article seems to indicate he panicked at a tight spot. I can understand that especially with all the diving gear on. That would be all it takes to do you in. It's a shame so many divers die trying to cave dive without proper training or equipment. It is well known not to do that by all divers especially in places with underwater caves.

Condolences to the friends and family.

[Kelly Jessop]

drbeaner said:

The article seems to indicate he panicked at a tight spot..

That may never have happened if this individual had been trained.