A woman died Tuesday morning while scuba diving with a commercial scuba vessel in the Florida Keys, according to reporting from the Miami Herald.
The 56-year-old woman, identified at Andreas Shultz of Tallahassee, was diving at Molasses Reef off Key Lago. Just before 10 a.m., she was found unconscious in the water and was rushed to shore.
Shultz died enroute to shore while others on the boat performed CPR, according to local reporting.
A cause and manner of death has yet to be released. Police do not suspect foul play.
Leesfield & Partners
With nearly 50 years of experience, Leesfield & Partners attorneys have developed a strong reputation for innovative and effective trial strategies. Over the years, the firm has consistently embraced new approaches to litigation, using advanced technology and meticulous preparation to present compelling cases. With a long history of securing the best possible outcome for their clients, the firm’s attorneys combine vast experience with modern methods, positioning Leesfield & Partners at the forefront of personal injury law.
Leesfield & Partners has had a foothold in the Florida Keys since at least the 1980s. In that time, the successful personal injury law firm has advocated on behalf of hundreds of injured clients and their grieving families in all manner of recreational water activities. As a part of the firm’s public safety advocacy, safety tips and memos are regularly shared on the firm’s digital board outside of its Miami office, which is situated on South Dixie Highway and is passed by hundreds of commuters every day. Additionally, the firm contributed annually via its Founder and Managing Partner, Ira Leesfield’s, charitable foundation – The Leesfield Family Foundation.
Previous Cases
Leesfield & Partners previously represented the family of a minor who was killed by a passing boat while snorkeling. The boater in that case was another minor who lied to police and attempted to cover up evidence when questioned. Neighbors of the minor who was operating the boat on the day of the tragic incident testified that the child was known to routinely operate the boat recklessly and without supervision.
A $1.7 million settlement was secured for the family in that case.
Another snorkeler, whose family was represented by Leesfield & Partners, died while out at Dry Tortugas National Park with a boat tour company. Within minute of getting in the water, the man was found unresponsive. The boat tour company failed to provide him with a flotation device despite the fact that he was a novice swimmer.
A confidential settlement was obtained in that case.
Bernardo Pimentel II, a Trial Attorney with the firm, recently secured the maximum, capped settlement for the death of a lobster diver who was killed by a passing boat. The boater in that case was a law enforcement official who did not adhere to divers-down flag laws.
The firm secured a six-figure settlement for the family of a Texas man who drowned in Florida.
The family of a 20-year-old woman who was killed after the boat she was on crashed into a concrete dock was represented by Leesfield & Partners. The boater in that case had been drinking and speeding the night of the crash that killed our client’s young daughter.
A seven-figure settlement was obtained in that case.
Another family was awarded $500,000 after their loved one was killed in a drowning incident aboard a cruise excursion.
Leesfield & Partners also represented the family of a 2-year-old girl who drowned in the pool of an Airbnb property in Orlando where she was staying with her family. The rental property in that case did not have the proper child safety measures in place despite them being required by Florida law.
The firm secured a $1.6 million recovery in a boating collision with a fixed mile marker that resulted in serious injuries to a Salt Lake City man.
A minor who lost a leg in a boating incident was awarded a six-figure recovery for the unsupervised activity.
A captain on a glass bottom boat was negligent in ensuring the safety of his passengers, resulting in the shattered knee of a Leesfield & Partners client. That case was resolved with a $665,000 recovery.
A child who was injured in an amusement shark attack was awarded $500,000 thanks to Leesfield & Partners attorneys.
If you or a loved one was injured in a water-related incident in Florida, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today at 305-854-4900 to see if you may be eligible for compensation.