Acute cocaine intoxication is factor in diver’s death

Published 5:02 pm Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The death of a Department of Natural Resources diver off the southern shore of Bainbridge Island was due to “salt water drowning,” with a contributing factor being “acute cocaine intoxication,” city of Bainbridge Island officials said Tuesday.

Officials said an updated death certificate has been released by the Kitsap County Coroner’s Office on the passing of David Scheinost, 24, who died July 24 while diving with a DNR team near South Beach.

Bainbridge Police detectives continue to investigate the incident.

“The Department of Natural Resources continues to assist in the investigation and those involved in the accident are cooperating,” said Bainbridge Police Commander Sue Shultz.

“We are hopeful that the investigation will conclude in the next few weeks, pending equipment testing and further results from the coroner,” she said.