Diamond Island, Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford

GILFORD — A 69-year-old man from the Carroll County town of Wakefield has been identified as the diver who became unresponsive while diving with three companions off Diamond Island in Lake Winnipesaukee.

Gene Parker died at the scene, despite the life-saving efforts of one of his fellow divers and Marine Patrol Supervisor David Jones, along with members of the Gilford, Laconia, Meredith and Alton fire and rescue departments, according to state police.

The divers were in the water off Diamond Island, which is about a third of a mile offshore in the area of Ellacoya State Park in the town of Gilford.

Marine Patrol officers were notified of the incident shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday via a 911 call, police said.

One of the divers was able to bring Parker to the surface, but he and a good Samaritan who was nearby were unsuccessful in their efforts to pull Parker out of the water.

Initially, reports indicated two of the other three divers were missing, but both soon surfaced, police said.

Police said that while the incident remains under investigation, foul play is not suspected.

They ask that anyone with any additional information on the incident contact Jones, the Marine Patrol supervisor, at 293-2037 or david.b.jones@dos.nh.gov.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.