Diving Tragedy: Community Reflects on Loss of Four Divers

Saturday, March 15 marked the 28th anniversary of a tragic diving accident that claimed the lives of four divers in Zillah.

THE DIVERS ENTERED THE CANAL TO CLEAR DEBRIS

It was March 15, 1997, when commercial divers Marty Rhode and John Eberle, along with volunteer search-and-rescue divers Rusty Hauber and Charlie “J.R.” Mestaz, entered a deep underground irrigation canal, leading to a dangerous situation that ultimately resulted in their deaths.

AUTHORITIES SAY TWO DIVERS DIED TRYING TO RESCUE TWO OTHERS

The incident happened as Rhode and Eberle were in the canal, which was much deeper and more complex than they had planned. Authorities say Hauber and Mestaz lost their lives while attempting to rescue the commercial divers after realizing they were in trouble.

A SERIES OF MISTAKES LEAD TO THE DEATHS

Investigators found that a series of miscalculations regarding air supply contributed to the tragedy, as the divers misjudged the amount of breathable air required for their dive.

A MEMORIAL EXISTS IN THE CITY OF YAKIMA

A post on the Yakima County Sheriff's Office Facebook page talks about a memorial that was placed in Yakima shortly after the tragedy. it reads;

"A tree was planted, and a memorial was placed at the corner of N.1st St and MLK Blvd by the Sheriff’s Office Support Staff. Many cars and people pass this memorial, not knowing it is there. Let's all take a moment to remember Rusty and Charlie's service to the citizens of Yakima County. They made the ultimate sacrifice, and they are not forgotten."

Marty Rhode and John Eberle are listed on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Md.