Chicago diver who died in search had rare heart condition

CHICAGO – A Chicago Fire Department diver who died while searching for a boater who fell overboard in the Chicago River had a rare heart condition that led to his death.

The Cook County Medical Examiner says an autopsy found 46-year-old Juan Bucio died from asphyxia caused by an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart beat. The arrhythmia was due to lymphocytic myocarditis, a rare disease that can cause heart failure. His death was ruled accidental.

Bucio became separated from his partner while searching for the boater on Memorial Day. He was later pulled from the water and pronounced dead at a hospital.

A consultant who inspected Bucio’s equipment said it was well maintained. The report says his oxygen supply likely ran out while Bucio was underwater and he didn’t switch to a backup supply.