Diving accident

[Chris H]

Identity of scuba diver who drowned in Lake Michigan released

By Ben Poston of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jun. 27, 2009 5:28 p.m.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department has released the identity of a scuba diver who died while diving in Lake Michigan on Thursday.

Phil J. Patz, 48, of Stone Park, Ill., was pronounced dead Thursday evening by the Ozaukee County Coroner. His body was recovered from Lake Michigan on Thursday about nine miles southeast of Port Washington harbor, according to the Sheriff's Department.

According to a news release from the department, sheriff's detectives and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that a diver had died in water about 300 feet deep. His body was recovered by the three friends he was diving with because no local agency has divers who could go to that depth.

No additional information regarding the manner of death or any investigation finding were released Saturday, according to the release.