A memorial, as told by Scott's beloved father, Herb Smith:
"We believe that Scott died as a result of shallow water blackout on February 22, 2017 at the edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near the small Mayan fishing village of Punta Allen, Quintana Roo, Mexico - a place he loved more than anywhere in the world, doing what he loved most.
At age 54, Scott was an excellent swimmer, in very good shape, and had 30 years of spearfishing experience. He was alone when he died, and was found 15 feet from the beach by a friend who tried to save him with rescue breathing, but it was too late.
Scott was a kind, gentle man who lived in Austin, Texas and liked to live life to its fullest. His many friends miss him terribly. His parents Sue and Herb Smith, and his stepmother Susan Zimmerman remain heart-broken by his senseless death."