Man dies following snorkeling incident

A 61-year-old Goldfield, Iowa man died at Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island Friday following a snorkeling incident near Sand Key Lighthouse off Key West.

Paul Lynn Russell was snorkeling from a commercial Fury Water Adventures boat at approximately 2 p.m. when he required assistance and was helped back to the vessel. The crew and other boat customers began CPR. The U.S. Coast Guard brought Russell ashore.

Foul play does not appear to be a factor in the investigation.

Autopsy results are pending.

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Man arrested for battery

A 62-year-old Tavernier liveaboard was arrested Saturday after attacking another man.

Bradley Vincent DeFries was charged with aggravated battery.

DeFries smashed a metal ammunition box in the face of the 25-year-old male victim while both were at a boat ramp near Harborview Drive on June 4, 2023. A witness stated the attack was unprovoked. Security camera footage corroborated the victim and witness statements.

The victim suffered multiple injuries to his face.

A warrant was obtained for DeFries’ arrest and he was booked into jail on Saturday.

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Drunk motorist arrested

A 31-year-old Little Torch Key man was arrested Friday after driving recklessly on U.S. 1.

Joseph James Bright was charged with DUI.

The Sheriff’s Office received reports at approximately 3 p.m. of a southbound, reckless driver near Mile Marker 108. Other motorists reported the driver drove off the road several times and struck the blue barricade.  

Bright was stopped near Mile Marker 97. A large, nearly empty, bottle of liquor was found in the vehicle. Bright was taken to jail.

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