Florida spearfishing diver shot in the head dies
SARASOTA, Fla. -- A 21-year-old Sarasota man who was accidentally shot in the head with a spear gun has been taken off life support.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital released a statement from the family of Jarrod Ditmars confirming that their son had been removed from life support. The family says three people in Florida will receive his organs.
Ditmars was diving with 24-year-old friend Dale Bartush over the July Fourth holiday weekend when a spear gun accidently discharged. Bartush brought his friend to the surface and yelled for help. The accident happened near the Sarasota Yacht Club and under the twin bridges on the John Ringling Causeway.
In the statement, the man's family called for stricter safety measures, including appropriate regulations for the use of spear guns.
Ditmars' parents, Maribeth and Rob, spoke with CBS affiliate WTSP last week from the hospital about wanting tougher safety regulations for spearfishing.
"Because of the fact there was no safety on the gun, this was preventable," Maribeth Ditmars said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with hospital and funeral costs.