Husband of top lawyer, 47, suddenly dies during deep-dive expedition to shipwreck in Cape Cod
Joe Mazraani had successfully conducted countless dives in his work as president of Atlantic Wreck Salvage.
On July 29, he was diving with a group from his boat Tenacious when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency.
He was hauled back onto the boat and other divers attempted to perform life-saving measures, but he could not be revived.
Mazraani's wife, New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti, said 'all indications point to a medical emergency.'
'While we are choosing to keep the details private, we currently have no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure,' she said.
The group had been exploring an unidentified shipwreck referred to as 'The Big Engine Steamer' at the time of the tragedy.
It was brought back in to New Bedford, Massachusetts the following morning. State and local police, as well as the US Coast Guard, are investigating the circumstances of Mazraani's death.
The well-known maritime historian and technical diver had been a scuba diver since the mid 1990s and had cut his teeth wreck-diving off the coasts of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
He was also a criminal defense lawyer.
'Joe Mazraani was larger than life,' his partner said in a moving tribute.
'He was kind, compassionate and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son and partner.
'Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him. Sometimes he demanded it grumpily – but he always demanded by example.
'He lived every moment fully, without compromise. He did not want to die doing what he loved – none of us do.
'He wanted to survive it, to grow old doing it. But when you live at the edge, sometimes the edge pushes back.'
The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender paid tribute to Mazraani in a Facebook post on August 1, writing: 'With deep sadness, we share the loss of Joe Mazraani, beloved partner of Public Defender Sellitti and a cherished member of the legal and diving communities.
'Joe passed on July 29 in a diving-related incident, believed to be caused by a medical emergency.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Pictured: Teenager, 19, who died after she was hit by car as devastated family pay tribute to 'life and soul' who 'lit up any room'
A 19-year-old girl who was hit by a car has been described by her devastated family as the 'life and soul' who 'lit up any room'. Police were called to the scene after the horror crash on Groveway, in Milton Keynes, around 5.30am on July 20 after a pedestrian was hit by a Volkswagen Passat. The woman was declared dead at the scene while the driver of the car was unhurt. Her devastated family have now named her as Aaliyah Hancock and paid tribute to 'life and soul' who 'lit up any room'. They said: 'To our one-of-a-kind Aaliyah, a daughter, a sister, a best friend loved by many - the life and soul, lit up any room she entered, loved like no other and loyal to the core, always helping others, putting them before herself. 'This is a profound loss that cannot be filled. You may no longer be with us in the physical, but we feel you all around us in spirit. 'As you would say, 'best believe,' your light lives on. Forever 19, our beautiful girl — may the angels take care of you, my love, in perfect peace. Love you so ❤️' The road was closed throughout the day as officers continue to appeal for any witnesses as well as anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Waterworld lifeguards used CPR in desperate battle to save girl, 4, who died after falling unconscious in lagoon
WATERWORLD lifeguards used CPR in a desperate attempt to save a four-year-old girl who died after falling unconscious in a lagoon. The girl was treated poolside before being raced to hospital but the girl tragically died a short while later. 1 Police were called to Waterworld in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, yesterday at around 4:20pm to reports of a four-year-old girl in critical condition. Lifeguards, staff and paramedics treated the girl at the poolside in the Lagoon area of the aqua park before she was taken to hospital. Despite the desperate efforts of hospital staff, the four-year-old tragically died a short while later. The child's family have been informed of the tragedy and are being supported by specially-trained officers, Staffordshire Police said. A spokesperson for Waterworld say they will remained closed today "out of respect for the young girl's family". Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Maskew said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time. "We are now making enquiries and looking to establish the circumstances of the incident. "We would ask that members of the public avoid speculating in these early stages of the investigation and allow the family to grieve." Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge of it is asked to call the police. A Waterworld spokesperson said on social media: "Waterworld is deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at 4:15pm on Monday, August 4th, in the Lagoon area of the Aqua Park. "A girl of 4 years old was found unconscious and treated on poolside by our lifeguard & management teams on site." They added that they immediately provided CPR and called the emergency services while all other visitors were quietly asked to leave. "All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times." The water park, which opened in 1989, attracts around 400,000 visitors each year and boasts three pools and 20 slides.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Footy club mourns 'devastating loss' of beloved player and young father of four after he went missing
A shattered suburban footy club is mourning the 'devastating loss' of one of their own after he died in tragic circumstances. Kyle Leonard, 29, was a popular figure at the La Perouse Panthers in Sydney 's south-east - and the father of four has been fondly remembered for his 'infectious smile and sharp sense of humour'. 'Kyle was a valued member of our senior men's squad and proudly represented La Perouse in many A Grade games,' a statement from the club read. 'He remained part of the squad this year, though he didn't take the field, choosing instead to prioritise his growing family with the recent birth of his twins. 'Those who knew Kyle were fortunate to be surrounded by his calm presence, infectious smile and sharp sense of humour. 'He had a rare gift for making everyone feel like his best mate. The La Perouse Panthers said 'Kyle will be missed more than words can say' and added 'see you in the Dreamtime' 'Kyle was a proud and devoted father to his four beautiful children, Lamarni, Khoen, Lakarri and baby Kyle, whom he shared with his incredible fiancée, Amanda. 'To Amanda and the extended family, we are deeply sorry for this sudden and heartbreaking loss. Kyle will be missed more than words can say. 'Please know you are not alone. We mourn with you, we hold you close in our hearts, and we are here to support you in every way we can. 'See you in the Dreamtime, Kyle.' Coogee Randwick Wombats Rugby League - who Leonard also played for - paid their respects on Facebook. Both the La Perouse and Coogee Randwick clubs will wear black armbands this week, with a moment's silence to be observed in honour of Leonard. He also enjoyed a stint with the Alexandria Rovers, who labelled him 'an absolute warrior on the field and one of the kindest off the field.' It is understood Leonard went missing just before 5am on August 2 from a Matraville address, with immediate concerns for his welfare. NSW Police appealed to the public for assistance to locate Leonard, whose body was later discovered. A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family, with almost $50,000 raised in just two days.
