Diver's body found at Stillhouse Hollow Lake

The investigation is in its early stages after the discovery about 3:30 p.m., Lt. T.J. Cruz, spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, said.

The victim — identified as Robert Morgan Tarbet, 77, of McGregor — was dressed in scuba gear and carried an air tank, Cruz said. A sheriff’s deputy confirmed Tarbet’s air tank was full, he said.

“He was found about 15 feet from the bank near the marina,” Cruz said.

Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke pronounced Tarbet dead at 4:27 p.m. His body was taken to Temple Mortuary Services. An autopsy had not been ordered by early Thursday evening.

Cruz said there were no indications of foul play.

Tarbet was diving alone at the marina, Cruz said.

Britney Gile, a worker at the marina at 4596 Simmons Road, said the man had been diving and swimming near the Island View Pavilion at Stillhouse Park.

“He was in the water and swimming in front of the pavilion,” Gile said.

Earlier in the afternoon, Gile said, the man asked marina staffers about recreational activities at the lake.

The marina is located on the northeast side of Stillhouse Hollow Lake.