Read Ben now: PONCE DE LEON — As the sky went black, Ben McDaniel walked down a narrow dock and slipped into the clear water of Vortex Spring. It was hot on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, with a high of 90 and a weak breeze. The 68-degree spring felt good, even if Ben wore a dive mask, fins and a wet suit.
The handsome, athletic 30-year-old had been diving in Florida for the past few months, trying to escape a mess back home in Memphis. A failed business, a broken marriage, a dead brother.
Ben's folks had suggested he move to their Santa Rosa Beach condo, just Ben and his chocolate Lab, Spooner, to clear his head in the water and sunshine.
He dove earlier that day, poking around in the cave at the…
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