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Miami Teen Died Spearfishing In Upper Keys

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Family and friends are remembering South Florida teen who died in a spearfishing accident.

Erick Diaz, 19, was snorkeling and spearfishing with a cousin from a private boat Sunday at Tennessee Reef when he failed to surface, according to authorities.

The cousin told the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, when Diaz went to shoot a fish, he missed and the spear lodged in some rocks.

The cousin added that Diaz had a line from the spear tied around his waist.  The cousin said he tried to pull the spear from the rocks, but couldn't get it loose so he swam to the surface in an attempt to get help. He was unable to help Diaz, however, who died underwater.

Another cousin Derick Diaz, who was not on the weekend trip described Erick as "really good diver" who had been diving since he was young.

Derick said he and Erick grew up together and said Erick was a "good kid" who loved to have fun.

"He loved to ride motorcycles, we'd ride horses together, he always had such a good smile, big heart," he said.

Members of the sheriff's office dive team recovered Diaz body and it was turned over to the Medical Examiner's Office.

 

 

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