Still reading through this thread and reflecting back on numerous others that took the same course where no formal cause was ever discovered. A few things really come to mind with all the high tech gadgetry we already carry. With the addition of some very cheap technology all ready in place in other aspects of sports. Perhaps "some", if not "most" of the scuba death causes can be directly identified. Which could "possibly" shed some new light on the safety of our sport and potential "victims" of certain conditions, medical or otherwise.
Since almost every diver carries a computer now days why not implement a couple more sensors, and data loggers/monitors in the programing?
1. Every computer has a "basic" form of air integration at a minimum.
2. A simple lead that could house a heart rate monitor and skin temperature sensor.
3. A program that works as a "flight recorder" to monitor and record "all" conditions from start to finish of dive.
4. Even more sci-fi'ish, a mini RF deploy-able strobe/noise making/beacon that rockets to the surface if any of the monitored condition exceed a known dangerous value. Stowed somewhere on the rig like a cam band, that would alert surface attendants an emergency is taking place and relate a basic area.
Simple things like heart rate, times, temps, depths, mixes, and air consumption rates would surely show invaluable information on the physical and mental states of someone who cant no longer tell their own story. If not directly, than indirectly with known conditions, variables, and comparisons. At a bare minimum it would give investigators an invaluable time line and provide valuable hard data for future investigations and technology advancements. On top of that, as we review our own profiles we may learn things about ourselves in relation to "our" diving for better or worse. Some we may be able to change and make a better diver and some may indicate it is time to retire the sport. Thus not being another statistic and living a fuller life. This wont fix stupid, arrogance, or ignorance, but it may give it a chance to evaluate its error.
I think it is high time we evaluate what we demand and expect from ourselves and these company's that develop gear for our sport and safety. Perhaps in our obsessions with the newest, fanciest, ultra sheik, colored gear to match our panties, we should rethink basic principles and safety components. I see a lot of intelligent minds at work in these threads. Some desperate for truth, some wanting change, some hell bent on blame, most of it is wasted on futility....
Until we can examine hard facts and data, relate those to our own safety, recognize and change our ways. We can implement a million rules and laws but until we know true facts, everything else is just utter speculation and desperation.