Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CATALINA ISLAND, California — Police identified the body of a recovered scuba diver as a St. George man Thursday.
The Avalon Sheriff’s Station received reports of a missing recreational diver on Monday at 10:50 p.m., according to Capt. Doug Fetteroll. Jared Royer went diving with a chartered scuba diving excursion group near Indian Rock in the Emerald Bay near Catalina Island. Witnesses reported seeing Royer in the water, then heard a yell for help, Fetteroll told KSL.com.
When members of the diving excursion couldn’t locate Royer in the water, the Avalon Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics responded to the scene by boat. Members of the sheriff’s department emergency services detail began a recovery effort and located Royer’s body on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Royer was an anesthesiologist who had worked as a contract staff member at Dixie Regional Medical Center, according to The Spectrum. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn; his 15-year-old son Brendan; his 13-year-old daughter Megan; Maddy, 6; and Kate, 3.
“Jared looked forward to any adventure and lived with enthusiasm and zest,” the Royer family said in a statement. “He loved cycling, running, hiking, swimming, camping and any opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the world. We are so grateful to our many friends and family who are rallying around as we struggle with the grief of Jared’s passing.”
The cause of death has not yet been determined, pending an autopsy at the county coroner’s office, Fetteroll said.
Five divers have died near southern California since Sept. 27, the beginning of lobster season, according to the Orange County Register.
