BY LUTHER MONROE

Homicide detectives with the Mason County Sheriff's Office are investigating a scuba diving course accident at Hood Canal that led to the death of a Spokane resident.

John W. Gray, 54, died near Eldon after he became separated from his scuba diving instructor and other divers who were participating in the course.

Coroner West Stockwell said another diver found Gray at a depth of about 10 meters. The victim was unconscious and his regulator was out of his mouth.

The diver pulled Gray to shore and tried to resuscitate him but the life-saving effort failed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy has been scheduled and the accident is under investigation by both the coroner and the Mason County Sheriff's Office.

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