DALLAS, TX – A Collin County Sheriff’s Office official has resigned following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl during a scuba diving class. William Armstrong, who served as an assistant chief deputy, submitted his resignation just days after the incident involving his student, Dylan Harrison.
The young girl, known for her love of archery and gymnastics, was participating in a scuba certification class when the unforeseen tragedy occurred. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, leaving her family seeking answers.
David Concannon, the attorney representing the Harrison family, emphasized the importance of data from Armstrong’s dive computer and that of dive master Jonathan Russo. This information, often referred to as a “black box,” could potentially shed light on the events leading to the incident. However, investigators have reported difficulties in retrieving this data.
A witness, who attempted to provide information to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office, expressed frustration after being told the investigation was closed. According to the witness, Armstrong exited the water while the search for Harrison continued, raising questions about protocol.
Experts in scuba diving stress that instructors should remain in the water until all students are safe. The witness noted that Armstrong appeared dry and insisted he had done nothing wrong.
Harrison’s parents were informed of their daughter’s death over an hour after it was pronounced. Initially marked as closed, the case has since been reopened, with the Texas Rangers now assisting in the investigation.
Following the incident, Armstrong was permanently suspended from teaching at the facility. In his role at the sheriff’s office, he was responsible for overseeing professional standards, adding another layer of scrutiny to his actions.
Efforts to reach Armstrong for comment were unsuccessful as he directed inquiries elsewhere. The community remains in mourning as questions linger about the tragic loss.