Hampton, Pepperell Divers Drown On Front Beach In Rockport, Mass.

ROCKPORT, MA — Two elderly men diving off Front Beach in Rockport, Massachusetts, drowned on Wednesday.

Richard Brady, 78, of Hampton and Alan De Oliveira Leao, 75, of Pepperell, Massachusetts, died on Wednesday while diving in the area, according to Rockport police. An investigation has been opened into their deaths by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

Police said around 11 a.m., a diver was reportedly in medical destress and aid was provided by bystanders, police, and EMTs. The diver, later identified as De Oliveira Leao, was taken to the hospital and died. About four hours later, while police investigated the first death, they found out a second diver was unaccounted for.

“The Rockport police and fire departments, supported by Rockport Ambulance, the Rockport Harbormaster, Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a Rockport-based research vessel, the Ocean Reporter, responded to the scene,” Chief John Horvath of the Rockport Police Department said. “Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard both sent aircraft to assist the search. The Massachusetts State Police Dive Team helped search underwater.”

The second diver, Brady, was recovered from the ocean off the beach and pronounced dead.

"This is a tragedy for the two families who have lost their loved ones," Horvath said. "We grieve with both families and send our deepest condolences."

Police said there were no signs of foul play with the deaths, but the drownings remain under investigation by Rockport police and the Mass. State Police Detective Unit.

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