Michael Smith, 37, of Key Largo, Fla., died Oct. 5, 2007, in a diving accident in the Atlantic Ocean in Key Largo, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

He was born March 4, 1970, in Wilmington, N.C., to Wayne and Anita Smith, who survive in North Carolina. In Sept. 2004, he married Kim Buschur, who also survives.

Other survivors are a brother, Paul (Cathy), of North Carolina; and a father- and mother-in-law, Mary and Michael Buschur, Celina.

He was a hyperbaric technician at Mariner's Hospital, Tavernier, Fla., and a scuba and snorkel instructor with the Professional Association of Driving Instructors and Scuba Schools International. He was a member of the water emergency team for the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department. A graduate of John T. Hoggard High School, Wilmington, N.C., he earned his associate's degree in marine technology at Cape Fear Community College and worked with the National Undersea Research Center (NURC). He received his emergency medical technician certification from Florida Keys Community College and was studying to get an associate's degree in emergency medicine at Miami Dade College.

A celebration of life service was held Wednesday at Quiescence Diving Services, Key Largo.

Contributions can be made to the Michael R. Smith Memorial Fund, First State Bank, Key Largo.

Arrangements were handled by H.W. Beyer Funeral Home, Key Largo.