Man dies during snorkeling trip in Keys

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) – Deputies in the Florida Keys are investigating the snorkeling death of a 67-year-old man from Louisiana in the area of Dry Tortugas National Park.

Paul Wimberly was snorkeling Saturday off the vessel Playmate when he apparently panicked underwater, his dive partner told officials.

Becky Herrin, the spokeswoman for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, said the woman shed her dive equipment, rose to the surface and yelled for help. Both were part of the group snorkeling with Sea-Clusive Charters.

A rescue diver brought up Wimberly and a doctor and assistant on board did CPR, but could not revive him.

An autopsy will be performed.