A 26-year-old diver who was found dead in San Diego's Mission Bay earlier this week was an active-duty Navy service member, according to officials at the Navy Medical Center.
Officials tell NBC 7 the diver was Stephen Wall, an Information Systems Technician, Third Class, who worked in the Medical Center’s micro-repair department.
Wall’s friend, HM3 James Holcomb, spoke exclusively with NBC 7 on Friday and fondly described his late friend as a great guy who loved fishing and the outdoors.
“He’s very friendly, very personable. He made friends everywhere he went – not just necessarily military members, but civilians as well,” said Holcomb. “He was just the kind of person you wanted to be around.”
Wall’s body was discovered by a local boater early Tuesday morning in Mission Bay. His body was then retrieved from the water by San Diego Lifeguards, and his death was confirmed at the scene.
Officials say it appears Wall was spearfishing and may have gotten tangled in the line and drowned. The medical examiner’s office has ruled Wall’s death accidental.
Navy Medical Center officials say they plan on holding a memorial service for the sailor.
