OCTOBER 6, 2008 — John Sonsteng, 45, of Poway, died Saturday afternoon while scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of La Jolla with his son. Sonsteng and his 19 year old son were scuba certified several years ago, but had not dived recently.  Sonsteng reportedly ran out of air at 150 feet below the water.  His son tried to share air with his father but his own tank ran out of air at 40 feet.

Twelve San Diego Lifeguard divers searched the area, but were not successful. After a five hour search, a remote control underwater vehicle with a camera later located Sonsteng’s body near the location of the accident.  The son was taken to UCSD for treatment of a rapid water ascent, but did not show symptoms of any medical problems.  An autopsy at the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office was tentatively scheduled for Monday.