Calif. Department Of Fish And Wildlife Spokesperson Dies While Snorkeling In Hawaii

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Workers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are mourning the loss of their spokesman who died while vacationing with his family in Hawaii.

Fifty-one-year-old Michael Taugher of Benicia was snorkeling off Black Rock in Kaanapali with family members on Saturday when he became separated from them.

Taugher was later found unresponsive in the water as attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Police say no foul play is suspected as the cause of his death is unknown.

State Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Laird said Monday that the loss of Taugher is tragic and will be widely felt.

Taugher became an assistant deputy director of communications for the state wildlife agency in May 2012.

He was previously a reporter at the Contra Costa Times for 12 years. Taugher also worked at newspapers in New Mexico, Colorado and in Lake Tahoe.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.