News Release

DHDT Fatality Report

Tom Jaskulski poses with a toy Devils Hole pupfish on his shoulder.

News Release Date: March 17, 2019

Contact: Abby Wines, 760-786-3221

DEATH VALLEY, CA – The National Park Service (NPS) Serious Accident Investigation Team (SAIT) has completed its examination into the accidental death of NPS volunteer Tom Jaskulski in March 2018. Jaskulski, a long-time Death Valley National Park volunteer, died while completing a routine fitness swim test to recertify as an NPS diver. The Riverside County Coroner determined Jaskulski’s fatality was natural, and the cause was cardiovascular disease.  

“Tom was passionate about diving, Devils Hole and his work as an NPS volunteer,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “We are fortunate to have known Tom. He will be greatly missed by employees and volunteers at Death Valley National Park and by a strong network of friends.”

The Serious Accident Investigation Factual Report released by the SAIT team, reviews the circumstances of Jaskulski's death. As Jaskulski was nearing the end of the routine test, the NPS dive officer noticed he appeared to be having difficulty swimming. The dive officer told Jaskulski he could end the test. When Jaskulski kept swimming, the dive officer entered the water and swam alongside him.

With only 10 feet remaining to complete the 2,700-foot swim, Jaskulski stopped swimming and went limp. The NPS dive officer removed Jaskulski from the pool, found he had no pulse, and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Jaskulski passed away six days later on March 24 after being removed from life support in Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.

The SAIT team also created internal documents that the agency will use to consider making any changes in safety protocols.

Jaskulski, 72, had been a key member of the Devils Hole Dive Team since 1992. He regularly scuba dived in Devils Hole to monitor the endangered Devils Hole pupfish.

A resident of La Quinta, California, Jaskulski was a respected leader in the diving community. The Divers Alert Network named him diver of the year in 2004. The National Association of Cave Diving gave him the Wakulla Award in 2000. Jaskulski is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandson.