Body Of Missing Lake Tahoe Scuba Diver Discovered After 17 Years
Donald Christopher Windecker disappeared 17 years ago during a scuba dive at Lake Tahoe. His well-preserved remains were finally discovered by mixed-gas scuba divers on July 23 on an underwater shelf, 265 feet below the surface, reports L.A. Now.
Windecker's body was raised from the frigid waters near the lake's west side on July 27 by a remote-controlled mini-submarine equipped with a robotic claw. His body was still outfitted in his scuba gear - wetsuit, weight belt and air tank - and displayed certification from 1994.
"His remains are in amazing physical condition," said El Dorado County Sheriff's Sergeant Jim Byers. "We'll be able to do a thorough autopsy. He may have had a heart attack or a stroke or maybe just ran out of air. Hopefully we'll determine what happened."
At the time of his disappearance on July 10, 1994, Windecker was 44-years-old and a retired former city planner from Reno. He embarked on a dive with a friend, aiming to swim to a depth of about 100 feet. When the pair began to ascend, Windecker reportedly struggled with his equipment. His companion attempted to assist Windecker, who began to sink, but the friend abandoned his mate for the surface when his air supply depleted.
Four other divers are still missing in the same area.
