On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, 64-year-old Carolyn Alvarez lost her life while scuba diving off Catalina Island, California. She was near Casino Point when she began showing signs of distress, prompting a rapid emergency response. Authorities confirmed her death at a local hospital, and the cause remains undetermined.
At a Glance
- 64-year-old diver died after distress near Casino Point.
- Friend assisted her to shore; paramedics arrived at 10 a.m.
- Cause of death unknown; foul play ruled out.
Casino Point lies on the eastern shore of Catalina Island and is a popular underwater park for recreational divers. The area is known for clear waters that reveal a variety of marine life, including bat rays, angel sharks, and the California state fish.
Alvarez and a male friend were exploring the park when they were approximately 25 yards from the shoreline. Their dive was part of a routine recreational excursion, typical of many visitors who seek the island’s marine attractions.
At an estimated time between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m., Alvarez began exhibiting signs of distress while underwater. The exact nature of her difficulty was not specified, but she appeared to struggle and needed assistance.
The friend quickly helped Alvarez surface and guided her back toward the shore. While the diver was being assisted, bystanders on the beach observed the situation and prepared to call for help.
Local bystanders immediately dialed emergency services as they watched the diver’s struggle. They also assisted the friend in performing first aid until professional responders arrived at the scene.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived around 10:00 a.m., as reported by the Los Angeles Times. They conducted on-scene assessments and coordinated with the Avalon Sheriff’s station for additional support.
During the assessment, the friend was examined by paramedics but required no medical treatment. The focus remained on Alvarez’s condition and the immediate medical needs of the diver.
Alvarez was loaded into an ambulance and transported to a nearby medical facility. The journey was swift, reflecting the proximity of the island’s shore to emergency medical services.
At the hospital, medical staff performed resuscitation efforts, but the patient could not be revived. The team worked quickly, following standard protocols for a drowning scenario.
Shortly after arrival, the attending physicians pronounced Alvarez deceased. The medical examiner’s office confirmed the identity of the patient and documented the circumstances of death.
Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Alvarez’s identity and stated that foul play was ruled out. The office is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in such cases.
The cause of death is yet to be determined, according to the medical examiner’s office. No definitive medical explanation has been released, and further analysis is pending.
Reports from the Los Angeles Times noted that foul play was ruled out as a factor in Alvarez’s death. This indicates that the investigation did not find evidence of criminal activity.
The investigation is focused on medical factors, such as potential drowning or underlying health conditions. The medical examiner’s office will review autopsy findings and any relevant medical records.
Scuba By Design, a local scuba tour agency, was contacted for comment but did not respond immediately. The Avalon Sheriff’s station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department also reached out for additional information.
While Scuba By Design has yet to provide a statement, the agency’s involvement underscores the importance of safety protocols for diving tours on Catalina Island. Their cooperation is awaited to clarify the circumstances.
An obituary posted on Neptune Society lists Alvarez as a resident of West Hills, California. The notice provides basic biographical information and confirms her identity following the incident.
Local residents and fellow divers expressed condolences through social media and community forums. The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures and emergency preparedness for underwater activities.
Key takeaways from this tragic event include the prompt emergency response, the unknown cause of death, and the ruling out of foul play. The case highlights the inherent risks of recreational diving and the need for vigilance.
