Diver drowns in underwater caves

WEEKI WACHEE - A vacationing diver died deep inside one of Hernando County's underwater caves Tuesday evening.

According to investigators, James Woodall II and Gregory Snowden were in town from Richmond, Ky., to dive the Eagle Nest Underwater Caverns located in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area.

The pair was about 500 feet down inside the cave system when Woodall experienced problems with his breathing system. Snowden had tried to help his friend, but his efforts were in vain.

Foul play is not suspected.

Detectives say Woodall's body was recovered by certified cave divers shortly after midnight Wednesday. The victim was taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy and toxicology tests.

According to investigators, both Woodall and Snowden were uncertified and inexperienced cave divers.