Private Smith was participating in dive training exercises at a local quarry. Private Smith and his company were simulating the rescue of a drowning child in 70 feet of water. Private Smith had been a certified team diver for 2 years. Private Smith failed to surface with his buddy and rescue attempts were commenced immediately. CPR was started in the water and continued during a boat ride to shore. Paramedics from a local rescue squad provided aid, and Private Smith was transported by helicopter to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Private Smith died of barotrauma, a condition caused when a diver rises to the surface of the water too quickly and suffers internal injuries as a result of gas expansion during the ascent.
For more info see NIOSH report
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200038.html
There are 2 tributes for Private Warren J.C. Smith.
Sleep well brother firefighter.
You have earned it.