The victim's name is Troy Lee Smith. It's been added to this edition of the story.

LAKE CHELAN — A 43-year-old Wenatchee man died this morning after having difficulty breathing during a scuba-diving class on Lake Chelan. The incident was reported at just before 11 a.m.

Troy Lee Smith was diving near Fields Point Landing, on the lake’s south shore. He was about 75 yards out and diving in 17 feet of water. After about 10 minutes, he signaled he was having trouble breathing, said Sgt. Rob Huddleston, Chelan County Sheriff’s spokesman.

Smith surfaced with his instructor and said it felt like his wetsuit was too tight. The instructor removed Smith's diving equipment and unzipped the suit. The two were swimming toward shore, when Smith lost consciousness and stopped breathing, Huddleston said.

Back at Field’s Point, state Parks Department officials and bystanders began CPR and managed to get Smith breathing again. But his breathing was labored and then stopped.

When emergency crews and sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene, the man didn’t have a pulse and couldn’t be revived, Huddleston said.

Orca Scuba Center of Wenatchee hosted the beginner-level class, Huddleston said.

The death is under investigation. Chelan County Coroner Wayne Harris will do an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Huddleston said.

Christine Pratt: 665-1173

pratt@wenatcheeworld.com