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SkilesFamed cave dirver Wes Skiles was best known for his underwater photography.

The official cause of death is still under investigation after Wesley Skiles, the famed diver and cinematographer, died while shooting footage at a reef about three miles off of Boynton Beach in South Florida on July 22.

Skiles was known for his underwater video footage and his photographs from aquatic locations all over the world. He was a pioneer in Florida cave diving, and he owned and operated Karst Productions, Inc., in High Springs.

The 52-year-old freelance photographer had his work featured in various publications and television and film productions, including National Geographic, where his photographs of blue holes in the Bahamas will run as the cover story in the August issue.

The magazine released a statement saying the incident “occurred following the conclusion of a scientific research expedition related to marine life off the east coast of Florida. Our thoughts are with Wes' family."

According to numerous reports, Skiles had indicated to fellow divers that he was going up for more film and after a few minutes was spotted motionless on the ocean floor. His comrades pulled him to the surface, rushing him to shore and administering CPR. 

He was then taken by ground to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Though it was not the closest, it is the only hospital in the county with a decompression chamber, which is used to treat the bends, a condition sustained from surfacing too quickly.

Boynton Beach Fire Rescue community relations specialist Stephen Lewis confirmed three other divers were transported in addition to Skiles, “as a precautionary measure,” because of their rapid ascent.

It is believed that he was not taken by the county’s Trauma Hawk emergency helicopter because it generally does not transport patients who are “coded,” meaning without a pulse. But Lewis said he cannot discuss a patient’s condition, and he would neither confirm nor deny whether Skiles was in cardiac arrest when he was taken to the hospital.

In a televised interview, Roger Davis, the owner of area shop Wet Pleasures Dive Outfitters, said heart disease runs in Skiles’ family – his father died of a heart attack around the same age.

Davis said he’s known Skiles for 15 years, and he wasn’t the type who would panic in a distressed situation.

“Wes was a true explorer in every sense and a wonderful spirit," said Chris Johns, editor of National Geographic. "He set a standard for underwater photography, cinematography and exploration that is unsurpassed. It was an honor to work with him, and he will be deeply missed."

On the Karst Productions Web site, there is a statement that reads, in part, “We’re not afraid to get close to nature,” and this was the attitude for which many recognized Skiles.

In a written statement, Annie Pais, The Blue Path coordinator and executive director from Florida’s Eden said, “So many of us who work in water awareness here in Florida looked to Wes as our fearless leader. He was our pioneer, our champion for springs and aquifer protection.”

It is evident that Wes Skiles touched the lives of countless people; from friends, family and coworkers, to anyone who ever saw his work, it is as crystal clear as the waters he loved that he will be greatly missed throughout the Florida conservation, diving and photographic communities.

His family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to the Alachua Conservation Trust.

A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at Ginnie Springs on Wednesday evening.

More than 100 people did not let the rain stop them from coming out to honor the late photographer. And at least a couple who spoke made jokes about how “Wes would want us to get wet.”

Most sported umbrellas and some had beer, wine or a cocktail in hand. Couples clung to one another and toddlers managed to keep quiet. Everyone watched and listened as family and friends shared with the audience their fondest memories of Skiles, and how he had touched their lives.