KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | UPDATE: Diver Dies in Coeur d' Alene

UPDATE: Diver Dies in Coeur d' Alene

OFFICIAL PRESS RELASE: Further investigation has turned up additional information on the fatal diving related incident yesterday at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course.

This morning, an autopsy was conducted on Mike McCullough, 31 of Rexburg, ID.  The results of the autopsy indicate that the cause of death is consistent with drowning. There were no indications of any other trauma or medical factors that contributed to his death.

After investigators interviewed all of the witnesses, they learned that when they found McCullough floating on the surface, he was wearing his dry-suit, weight belt, buoyancy compensator and dive tank.  He also had a large basket of golf balls fastened to his equipment. The rescuers cut the tank, buoyancy compensator and the golf balls from him in order to be able to life him into the boat.

Last evening, Sheriff's divers returned to the scene in 12 feet of 62 degree water and recovered all of the items that had been cut off of the victim.  Inspection of the equipment showed no air in the tank.

Yesterday was McCullough's first day of diving for contractor, Bob Hamilton.  McCullough had previously been certified to dive in Southern Idaho, but according to family members, had not been diving since 2007.

The investigation is continuing, but initial results point to a tragic accident.