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A father and his 15-year-old son died Christmas day while cave diving in Hernando County.
Deputies say the bodies of Darrin Spivey and his son, Dillon Sanchez, were recovered Wednesday night in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge after they went on the dive to use new equipment that Sanchez received for Christmas.
Deputies received a call from Holly King, Spivey's fiancee, reporting that she was unable to contact Spivey around 3 p.m.
King drove to the site she thought they were diving - near Eagle Nest Sink - and called authorities after locating their car, deputies say.
While canvassing the area, deputies located a hunter who said he saw Spivey and Sanchez suited up to dive around 11 a.m. He told deputies he returned around 6:30 p.m. and found the car, but no sign of the divers.
Deputies say the bodies were located around 8:30 p.m.
Friends say Spivey was a certified diver but not a certified cave diver, and Sanchez was not a certified diver.
Assistant Hernando County Fire Chief Kevin Carroll said it appears the two divers had reached the main cavern area of Eagle's Nest sink, which is a part of the overall Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management system.
One of the bodies was located just inside a cave at 67 feet and the second was located at 127 feet.
"It was very unfortunate," Carroll said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends."
Carroll said the two divers were friends with some of the fire department employees.
16 Entries
My thoughts are with your family as you undergo these two difficult losses. May God bring you all comfort. Isaiah 40:1
Ashley
January 3, 2014
Losing a loved one can be emotionally difficult to endure. Hopefully, you can find comfort in knowing that your tears do not go unnoticed by our Creator, because he cares for you. - 1 Pet. 5:7.
R. B.
December 29, 2013
I first met Darrin when I was around 13 I always hung out with glenn and tracy growing up they were my best friends. Darrin was always around I can actually say this man taught me how to throw a football. I am gonna miss him very much. I used to work with Darrin and glenn and Jason at water tight roofing then Darrin would have me work with him on side jobs. never got real close with him but were good friends. and unfortunaly I never got to know the kids as the grew older they were young when I was around them. but Darrin I will see you again bud. very much love and hope goes to your family and friends in this time of need I just wish I could be there for them.
Ausin DuBois
December 27, 2013
Darrin, may you and your son rest in peace. Heaven gained 2 more angles today although too soon. Tell Pop I said hello ;). My thoughts and prayers are with all our family and friends.
Ashley Keniston (Darrin's cousin)
December 27, 2013
I will never forget all the fun times we had growing up playing together at pops house and riding our motorcycles. We always had so much fun together and will hold those memories close to my heart. My prayers go out to your fiancé and kids. You are my cousin and always will be. RIP your cousin Michael, love you.
Michael Guardalabene
December 27, 2013
Darrin, my childhood friend, you will be missed. Prayers for you and my God bless your Mom, Sis and all your loved ones.
Tonie Witherite
December 27, 2013
I met Darren and his boys several times when he came to the private park with my neice Holly. I remember last time when he saw me he gave me a big hug. That meant a lot to me.
Linda Poirier
December 27, 2013
To Sylvia and family ~ My heart breaks for you all. You are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May fond memories lift your spirits and know Darrin and Dillon left part of their hearts with each of you.
Al & Shirley Fredrickson
December 27, 2013
Darrin..You will be missed my friend..I never got to meet your son..but if anything like his father-he was a very good man..My prayers to your family in this time of pain.
Dan Harper
December 27, 2013
Nicki Dennewitz
December 27, 2013
So totally sorry for your loss. May god bless you and your family in this moment of sorrow.
Miriam
December 26, 2013
myra stenson
December 26, 2013
Sorry for you lost prayers with you may he rest R.I.P God Bless him and all
myra stenson
December 26, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Ben Bradford
December 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Family ,I pray God will have his Loving Hand on each and everyone of you at this difficult time and help you to understand why he need them in heaven more then you needed them here....I know life will never be the same without them, but I pray in time your hurt will turn to loving memories of your loved one....
Norb and Susan Moertle
December 26, 2013
R hearts nd prayers go out 2 u nd ur families the johnson /brown family is of dade city
erica Johnson brown
December 26, 2013
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