Man injured in spearfishing accident taken off life support

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) – A 21-year-old Sarasota man who was accidentally shot in the head with a spear gun has been taken off life support.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital released a statement from the family of Jarrod Ditmars confirming that their son had been removed from life support. The family says three people in Florida will receive his organs.

Ditmars was diving with 24-year-old friend Dale Bartush over the July Fourth holiday weekend when a spear gun accidentally discharged. Bartush brought his friend to the surface and yelled for help. The accident happened near the Sarasota Yacht Club and under the twin bridges on the John Ringling Causeway.

In the statement, the man’s family called for stricter safety measures, including appropriate regulations for the use of spear guns.

To donate to the family’s GoFundMe page, click here.

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