SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE, Tenn. — A paramedic died Thursday during a non-work-related scuba dive training incident.
Sgt. Jason Austin, 36, was transported to the hospital after the accident occurred, where he was pronounced dead.
Austin worked for the Washington County/Johnson City EMS agency and began his EMS career in 2012. He worked for the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department and worked part-time for the Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department.
EMS Executive Director Dan Wheeley said the news of Austin’s death came as a shock. “He’d done really well and moved up the ranks pretty quickly,” Wheeley told Johnson City Press.
Austin’s coworkers were notified shortly after his death. “They’re doing OK. Their captain and lieutenant called each one and told them what was going on,” Wheeley said. “They have a job to do today in taking care of people. With their days off, that’s where it’s going to hit everybody.”
Austin leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Officials are investigating the incident, and will review the scuba diver’s book and inspect the equipment Austin used.