In Jupiter, Florida, a tragic incident occurred where a father from Texas lost his life during a scuba diving trip. This unfortunate event was confirmed by both the family and authorities.
Kelly Bezayiff, the former mother-in-law of the deceased, Kenneth Lowery, shared a heart-wrenching story. She recounted how Lowery’s son called his uncle, expressing fear that his father might have drowned.
Bezayiff was in Texas when she received a call on Wednesday that she describes as unforgettable. Following the call, she immediately made arrangements to travel to Florida.
The call concerned Lowery. Bezayiff mentioned that Lowery had been taking his son on scuba diving trips to Florida since the boy was eight years old.
This time, however, the trip ended in tragedy. David Lowery, also known as Xander, who is now 14, returned to Texas without his father.
Bezayiff recounted the events of the trip. She said, “They went out on a boat and dived into the water. Xander realized there were problems and tried to help his dad surface, but he couldn’t. His dad then pushed him towards the surface. Xander swam up as fast as he could, and when he reached the surface, he saw his dad was no longer there.”
The Republic IV charter, operated by the Jupiter Dive Center, had taken the father and son out for a tour at around 9 a.m. that day.
By 9:50 a.m., both divers had entered the water. Shortly after, Xander surfaced, screaming for help.
About ten minutes later, Jupiter police and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission commenced a search near Captain Mike’s Reef, located roughly six miles off the shore of Juno Beach, in search of Lowery.
After an extensive search, they discovered Lowery’s body in the ocean.
The owner of the Republic IV charter, when contacted by phone, declined to comment on the incident or Lowery’s death.
Bezayiff praised Lowery for being an exceptional father to his three children and a supportive partner to Xander’s mother, who had recently passed away from cancer.
“He was incredible to my daughter during her final days, always there for her despite their separation. He was just that kind of person,” Bezayiff said.
With the loss of Xander’s father, Bezayiff noted that her grandson has now faced the immense sorrow of losing both parents within just three weeks.