Diver Dies While Exploring Lake Superior Shipwreck
TWO HARBORS, Minn. (WCCO) — A New Hope man was killed in a scuba diving accident in Lake Superior Saturday afternoon, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities say 42-year-old Aaron Timmerman was diving with a group at the Madeira shipwreck site near Split Rock Lighthouse on the north shore. At one point, he came to the surface and signaled for help, but sunk again before others could reach him.
Later, they found him unresponsive on the bottom of the lake and brought him to the shore where they began CPR. He was transported by helicopter to Gooseberry Falls State Park, but responders pronounced him dead at the landing site.
John Marino says his friend, Aaron Timmerman, never met a stranger.
"He made everybody laugh, took the time to learn everybody's story," Marino said. "He was one of those guys who would always be there for you even if he met you two weeks ago or 20 years ago."
Marino says Aaron had a kind heart and an adventurous soul.
"He enjoyed sky diving, scuba diving, traveling the world with his wife -- he definitely had a curious mind and that showed in all of his different hobbies," he said.
Marino says Aaron was always the life of the party, and he was making people laugh until the very end.
"Before they went on the div,e he was walking around making sure everybody's gear was on and suiting everybody up, and people were checking his as well," he said. "He was always in a good mood and always willing to help people out and he was on that day ."
The Lake County Medical Examiner is working to determine the cause of death.
If you would like to help the family, you can donate to their YouCaring page.