In a harrowing incident that has raised serious safety concerns, a scuba diving instructor in Texas has been charged following the drowning of a 12-year-old girl during a training session. The tragic event, which occurred in August 2025, has since revealed alarming details about the instructor’s state of mind and the conditions under which the class was conducted.
Drowning Incident at The Scuba Ranch
Dylan Harrison, a 12-year-old girl, tragically lost her life while attending a scuba diving class at The Scuba Ranch, a training facility located in Terrell, Texas. Reports indicate that she went missing during the session, and her body was later discovered submerged at a depth of 45 feet. The incident has prompted an investigation into the actions of the instructor, William Armstrong, who was overseeing the class at the time.
Armstrong was reportedly instructing a group of eight students when the incident occurred. Following the discovery of Harrison’s body, he was arrested on February 6 and charged with injury to a child. He was released shortly thereafter on a $150,000 bond but did not provide any statements to the media as he exited Kaufman County Jail.
Instructor’s Admission of Exhaustion
An affidavit obtained by Fox 4 News revealed that on the day of the incident, Armstrong had been awake for nearly 30 hours, juggling three jobs. This alarming admission raises questions about his ability to effectively supervise the class. Furthermore, the affidavit noted that no one was actively searching for Harrison in the water at the time rescue officials arrived, as Armstrong was found on the dock without diving equipment.
The investigation also uncovered issues with Harrison’s dive equipment. Her dive watch suggested that she may not have been properly weighted, a critical aspect of scuba safety that enables divers to manage their buoyancy effectively.
Immediate Consequences and Institutional Response
In response to these events, The Scuba Ranch has permanently suspended Armstrong from teaching. He was previously employed as an assistant chief deputy at the Collin County Sheriff’s Office but has since resigned from that position as well.
A spokesperson for The Scuba Ranch stated in October that the facility is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and expressed hopes that the Harrison family would receive the justice and closure they deserve. They also emphasised the importance of learning from this tragedy to strengthen safety protocols within the diving community.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic loss of Dylan Harrison has resonated deeply within the community and heightened awareness regarding the importance of safety in scuba diving. Investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the findings may lead to further scrutiny of training practices across the state.
The case has prompted discussions about instructor qualifications and the need for stringent safety measures in scuba diving courses to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Why it Matters
The drowning of Dylan Harrison underscores a critical need for heightened safety standards in recreational activities, particularly those involving water. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this tragedy could pave the way for improved regulations and training protocols, ensuring that no family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss again. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities held by instructors and the potential consequences of negligence, holding the entire diving community accountable for the safety of its participants.
