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Key West, FL - A Florida man died over the weekend after experiencing a medical emergency during a deep dive on a well-known shipwreck off Key West, according to information released by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that 50-year-old Nicholas Strazzulla of Inverness died Saturday following a dive-related incident on the Vandenberg, an artificial reef and popular site for experienced divers located several miles south of Key West.
Deputies reported that Strazzulla descended to an estimated depth of 150 to 200 feet before allegedly losing consciousness underwater.
Other divers and the boat crew noticed he was unresponsive and brought him back to the surface, where CPR was started immediately.
Emergency medical crews were called to the scene and transported him to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island.
Hospital staff later pronounced Strazzulla dead.
According to the sheriff’s office, there were no indications of foul play, and early findings suggest the death resulted from a dive-related medical emergency.
An autopsy will determine the final cause and manner of death.
The Vandenberg is known for its significant depth and is typically visited by advanced or technical divers due to the conditions required to safely explore the wreck.
Local authorities have not released additional information on Strazzulla’s equipment, experience level, or whether any preexisting medical factors may have contributed to the incident.
The investigation remains open as officials review all available details.