Fort Smith (June 16/03) - A 36-year-old Fort Smith man died June 9 in a tragic scuba diving accident. The victim has been identified as Peter Smith, a teacher at PWK High School.

Peter Smith, the victim of a scuba diving accident last week, was a well-known resident of Fort Smith. He was as a teacher and deputy chief of the town's volunteer fire department. - photo courtesy of the Fort Smith Volunteer Fire Department

"The initial investigation indicated the cause of death was drowning," says Corp. Duncan Babchuk of the Fort Smith RCMP Detachment.

Smith was diving in Pine Lake in Wood Buffalo National Park. The lake, in northern Alberta about 60 kilometres south of Fort Smith, is often used by local recreational scuba divers.

Babchuk says Smith was diving alone, but was tethered to shore and had a back-up person on land.

That eyewitness told police that after about a half hour in the water, Smith resurfaced and called for help. The back-up person began to pull the diver to shore with the tether, but he submerged.

Babchuk estimates the diver was about 75 meters from shore. When he was pulled from the water with the tether, Smith was unconscious. The back-up person immediately began CPR, but was unable to revive him.

Babchuk says it is believed there was a problem with the breathing apparatus, which has been sent to Edmonton for technical examination.

The victim's body was also sent to Edmonton for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Smith, who was originally from Nova Scotia, had resided in Fort Smith for about 13 years and was a well-known member of the community. He was the deputy fire chief for the Fort Smith Volunteer Fire Department.

"It's a tragic loss, not only for his family, but for the community in general," says Fire Chief Darren Linaker.

The South Slave Divisional Education Council also expressed its sadness at Smith's death.

"On behalf of the South Slave Divisional Education Council, I offer our deepest condolences to Pete's wife, children, family and friends," said Curtis Brown, the SSDEC's superintendent of education. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those who are affected by this loss."