Diver dies after being sucked into Giggle Crack

A diver who was pulled into the Giggle Crack rock formation off Fisherman’s Cove in north Laguna on Sunday afternoon died after efforts to resuscitate him failed, according to Laguna Beach police.

The diver, identified as Kenny Lee, 41, of Irvine, had been diving with a friend when both passed an opening in the rocks known as the Giggle Crack because of the unusual sound it makes. Both were pulled into the rocks by pounding surf, and Lee disappeared, according to Sgt. Louise Callus. The friend extricated himself and attempted to pull Lee out of the hole but could not. The friend reported Lee missing at 2:46 p.m., Callus said.

Laguna Beach lifeguards and firefighters launched a rescue and pulled Lee out, and CPR efforts were started on shore, Callus said. He was transported to Saddleback Hospital for further treatment, but pronounced dead on arrival by hospital staff.

On Mother’s Day 1998, a mother and her boyfriend were drowned trying to save her daughter, who had fallen into Giggle Crack. On May 10, 2009, three people were rescued after two good Samaritans attempted to rescue a teenage girl who had been pulled into the crack. All survived.