Female Scuba Diver Dies After Apparent Medical Emergency on Catalina Island

AVALON, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026 (KNN) – A woman in her 60s died Saturday morning after suffering an apparent medical emergency while scuba diving on Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Los Angeles County Fire Department crews and Avalon sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a woman in distress around 9:30 a.m. near the Catalina Island Casino Dive Park.

According to Deputy Tracy Koerner with the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, a woman and a man were scuba diving at a dive park when, as they surfaced, the man noticed the woman seemed to be in distress. He attempted to assist the woman in the water, then began to swim her ashore. Others heard the diver calling for help, prompting calls to 911.

Another diver entered the water and assisted with bringing the woman to land, said Koerner. Paramedics transported the woman to a local medical facility, where she was pronounced deceased.

Koerner also added that it initially appears the woman may have suffered a medical emergency.

KNBC identified the woman as 64-year-old Carolyn Alvarez and reported that paramedics evaluated the male friend, but he did not require medical treatment.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

Zak Holman, Video Journalist / KNN