Associated Press - November 13, 2009 6:34 PM ET

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) - A Texas man died while diving near Key West.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reports that 51-year-old Richard McCoy Jr., from Cypress, Texas, was scuba diving near the Vandenburg wreck Friday. McCoy had flown into Miami the day before as part of an organized dive trip.

McCoy had been down about 95 feet with two instructors, just after noon, when he reportedly began having trouble. The instructors began helping McCoy, but he stopped breathing about 25 feet from the surface.

Officials say CPR was started back at the boat and continued by paramedics on shore.

McCoy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A medical examiner will determine cause of death, and authorities will inspect the dive equipment.

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