Saturday, September 19, 2015. Chrisbert Garcia Reporting: A long time Punta Gorda athlete and well-known member of the town, passed away earlier today while participating in the celebration activities.
Mr. John Diaz was awarded as a Belizean Patriot earlier this week for his contribution to sports, and today he is dead after suffering a heart attack. 
Diaz was in the swimming race organized as part of the September Celebrations when he suddenly began experiencing difficulties in the water and had to be retrieved by observers and was taken to the hospital.
Despite those efforts to save his life, he died on arrival and it was determined that a heart attack was the cause of his demise.
Diaz leaves behind one daughter, Ms. Dorene Arana. He was 70 years old.