WEEKIE WATCHEE, FL -- Authorities say a diver accidentally drowned at Eagle Nest Underwater Caverns. The submerged caves are located in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Hernando County.
James Woodall II of Richmond, Kentucky was diving with Gregory Snowden, also of Richmond, about 6 p.m. Tuesday when Snowden surfaced to call for help. He contacted emergency officials to say his friend had died during their dive about 500 feet into the cave system.
Detectives say Woodall told his diving buddy he was having problems with his breathing system. Despite Snowden's efforts to help him, Woodall drowned.
Experienced cave divers from Citrus County and St. Petersburg were called in to help recover Woodall's body, which took several hours.
Authorities call this death accidental and do not suspect foul play.
