28-year-old UC Santa Cruz scientist dies on…
28-year-old UC Santa Cruz scientist dies on research dive in Alaska
U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the death of Umihiko Hoshjima of Santa Cruz
By Associated Press |
PUBLISHED: August 9, 2019 at 11:05 am | UPDATED: August 12, 2019 at 4:52 pm
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A scientist conducting research off a federal vessel died while diving in southeast Alaska.
The National Park Service says 28-year-old Umihiko "Umi" Hoshijima of Santa Cruz, California, died Wednesday off the outer coast of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Hoshijima was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His specialty was the resilience of marine organisms to climate change.
Hoshijima was diving from the Gyre, a U.S. Geological Survey vessel, as part of a project to re-survey underwater plots at depths less than 30 feet (9.1 meters) deep.
Co-workers spotted Hoshijima unresponsive on the ocean surface. They attempted CPR but he could not be resuscitated. His body was transported to Juneau for an autopsy.
The USGS, the National Park Service and the Coast Guard are investigating the death.
"The UC Santa Cruz community mourns the loss of Umihiko Hoshijima," the university wrote in a prepared statement. UC Santa Cruz added that Hoshijima was "bright and talented." "Our deepest condolences go out to Umi's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."
Umi earned his bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz in 2013 and returned to campus last year after earning his Ph.D. from UC Santa Barbara.
Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
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