The diving community and maritime archaeologists are mourning the loss of Dave VanZandt, a renowned underwater explorer, who was found dead in Lake Erie. VanZandt, aged 70, went missing while diving on a recently discovered shipwreck.

VanZandt was the visionary founder, director, and chief archaeologist at Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE), an organization dedicated to studying and documenting shipwrecks and other sunken artifacts in the Great Lakes, with a particular focus on Lake Erie. His passion for underwater archaeology brought vital historical insights to the forefront and connected many to the submerged history of the region.

The tragedy occurred during what was VanZandt's first dive of the year. Despite being semi-retired, he remained committed to his life's work, often participating in projects and expeditions organized by CLUE. His body was ultimately recovered by divers from Lake County near Cleveland's East 9th Street pier, which marked a somber end to a distinguished career. The recovery effort was supported by multiple agencies, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Erie County dive team.

VanZandt resided in Lakewood, a suburb of Cleveland, and had established himself as a pillar of both his local community and the broader underwater exploration field. His love for diving and discovery began in earnest in 1995, and by 2001, VanZandt was leading shipwreck excursions on his boat, the 'Sea Dragon'. His explorations and the work done by CLUE illuminated many forgotten chapters of maritime history in the Great Lakes.

For four decades, VanZandt also distinguished himself in another cutting-edge field — engineering. He served as a semi-retired senior principal engineer for ZIN Technologies, Inc., where his expertise in space flight hardware was pivotal for projects associated with NASA's Glenn Research Center. His dual careers in space and underwater exploration showcased his diverse talents and enduring curiosity for the unknown.

The United States Coast Guard reported the missing 70-year-old diver around 4 p.m. on June 1. This prompted a robust search operation involving numerous agencies. VanZandt's disappearance and subsequent passing have sent ripples through the diving and archaeological communities, both of which deeply respected his contributions.

VanZandt was lauded not only for pioneering discoveries but also for his meticulous documentation and preservation of underwater relics. His innovative approaches and determined efforts have ensured that many shipwrecks have been cataloged and analyzed, broadening our understanding of Great Lakes' maritime history.

In the wake of his passing, colleagues and friends celebrate VanZandt's storied career and the indelible imprint he left on underwater exploration and archaeology. His life's work has inspired many in the field and will continue to spur future explorations and discoveries.

While his untimely death is a profound loss, Dave VanZandt's legacy in the realms of underwater exploration and historical preservation will undoubtedly endure.