MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor has fined Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue in connection with the diving accident that took the life of a firefighter.
Bradley Long died while diving for a missing swimmer in Lake Norman.
The citation said Long’s air supply wasn't adequately monitored. It also states there was an entanglement hazard with a rope.
At least one diver failed to perform an equipment safety check before the dive and there wasn't a back-up air supply. The fine totaled $5,600.
The department has 15 days to contest the citation.
Channel 9 obtained an autopsy report that said Long drowned because of a buildup of gas in his arteries.
Long and another diver spent 14 minutes searching 82 feet below the surface.
They tried to resurface but Long experienced an emergency at 20 to 30 feet below the surface.
Diving experts found the diving equipment had functioned properly.
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