Missouri Man Dies Diving to Florida Shipwreck

A 71-year-old man from Columbia, Missouri, died on March 13, 2026, after a scuba diving excursion to the Eagle shipwreck off the coast of Islamorada, Florida. Lonnie Lee Higgins was found unresponsive at a depth of approximately 110 feet by employees of Conch Republic Divers.

Details of the Incident

According to a statement from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Higgins was participating in a dive to explore the Eagle shipwreck when the incident occurred . Commercial dive employees discovered him on the ocean floor.

CPR was immediately initiated on the commercial vessel and continued by U.S. Coast Guard personnel upon their arrival. Higgins was transported to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, Florida, where he was pronounced dead .

Investigation and Cause of Death

Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected in connection with Higgins’ death . An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death .

About the Eagle Shipwreck

The Eagle, originally named the Aaron K., was intentionally sunk in December 1985 to create an artificial reef . The 87-meter-long freighter now serves as a popular destination for scuba divers.

In August 2020, Higgins’ partner, Arlene Higgins, shared a birthday tribute alongside a photo of the pair diving together .