Catalina diving victim identified
A woman who died today after scuba diving off Catalina Island has been identified as Mona Towle, 56, of Redlands,according to the Avalon sheriff’s station.
Sheriff’s dispatcher Connie Shepard said Towle was taken from the Avalon dive park, along with her diving instructor, to a hyperbaric chamber.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent a helicopter to the scene, but Towle was taken by boat to the Two Harbors facility, which is run by USC, according to fire department inspector Frederic Stowers.
Towle was reportedly seeking her deep-sea certification when she suddenly rose to the top from more than 65 feet below the surface at the park, which is near the Avalon Casino.
-- Margot Roosevelt and Kim Christensen
She was a wonderful friend and a great co-worker. She will be missed dearly by those who had the opportunity to know her.
Posted by: GR | November 02, 2009 at 11:34 AM
We were all in shock to hear about Betty. She was such a wonderful person, and Perris Elementary School District will be at a loss without this lovely person.
Posted by: TL | November 02, 2009 at 05:35 PM