This stunning image is one of the final shots taken by a freelance photographer who died while filming an underwater shoot for National Geographic near Florida.
Wes C. Skiles, 52, a photographer for National Geographic, died last week during a research expedition examining underwater wildlife in his home state.
National Geographic's cover story in its latest edition features a series of Skiles' incredible images - taken on a recent assignment to the Bahamas blue holes - and a tribute to the man described as a 'true explorer in every sense and a wonderful spirit'.
The magazine announced the death of the accomplished photographer, cinematographer and explorer in a statement today.
'The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident, which 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,' it said.
In his Editor's note, the magazine's Editor in Chief Chris Johns said of Skiles: '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.'
'Wes was a big bear of a man who had a tender heart. His tenacity to get after stories and make them the best they could be was second to none,' said Kurt Mutchler, executive editor of photography.
'He loved working for the magazine - and the feeling was mutual.
'He recently told me that his mother was always getting after him to work more for us, and I am deeply saddened we won't have that opportunity.'
His last story for us, Bahamas Blue Holes, made the August 2010 cover. It's a testament to Wes's photographic skills, courage and child-like wonder in the search for the unknown. He will be sorely missed,' Mutchler said.
His shock death came just days before the publication of his cover story for National Geographic's August issue.
The photographer was known for his pioneering exploration and documentation of Florida's springs and had produced and created more than a dozen films for major TV networks.
One of his biggest achievements was leading a major National Geographic expedition to Antarctica to film the largest iceberg in recorded history.
How did he die?
"He was on a dive, and the people he was with found him laying motionless on the ocean floor. They brought him to the surface and did some CPR and it didn't work."
He was not attacked by any animal since he did not show blood, or had any missing body parts.
Most likely his oxygen tank has a malfunction or he had a heart attack.
He sank to the bottom of the cave, where he was quickly taken up to the surface.
National Geographic Photographers where following Wes everywhere.
If his Oxygen tank didn't work you would think they would have equipment for this type of emergency.
Did he stumble upon something Great?
Only time will tell.
Why is Cave Diving the most dangerous sport in the world?
Exploring the unknown can become dangerous mostly because with no familiarity
to the location you are vulnerable to attack, emotional fear or physical attack.
Underwater Caverns are mazes that might have a dead end, or might seem like they never end
plus your breathing equipment might fail.
Wes C. Skiles, 52, a photographer for National Geographic, died last week during a research expedition examining underwater wildlife in his home state.
National Geographic's cover story in its latest edition features a series of Skiles' incredible images - taken on a recent assignment to the Bahamas blue holes - and a tribute to the man described as a 'true explorer in every sense and a wonderful spirit'.
The magazine announced the death of the accomplished photographer, cinematographer and explorer in a statement today.
'The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident, which 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,' it said.
In his Editor's note, the magazine's Editor in Chief Chris Johns said of Skiles: '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.'
'Wes was a big bear of a man who had a tender heart. His tenacity to get after stories and make them the best they could be was second to none,' said Kurt Mutchler, executive editor of photography.
'He loved working for the magazine - and the feeling was mutual.
'He recently told me that his mother was always getting after him to work more for us, and I am deeply saddened we won't have that opportunity.'
His last story for us, Bahamas Blue Holes, made the August 2010 cover. It's a testament to Wes's photographic skills, courage and child-like wonder in the search for the unknown. He will be sorely missed,' Mutchler said.
His shock death came just days before the publication of his cover story for National Geographic's August issue.
The photographer was known for his pioneering exploration and documentation of Florida's springs and had produced and created more than a dozen films for major TV networks.
One of his biggest achievements was leading a major National Geographic expedition to Antarctica to film the largest iceberg in recorded history.
How did he die?
"He was on a dive, and the people he was with found him laying motionless on the ocean floor. They brought him to the surface and did some CPR and it didn't work."
He was not attacked by any animal since he did not show blood, or had any missing body parts.
Most likely his oxygen tank has a malfunction or he had a heart attack.
He sank to the bottom of the cave, where he was quickly taken up to the surface.
National Geographic Photographers where following Wes everywhere.
If his Oxygen tank didn't work you would think they would have equipment for this type of emergency.
Did he stumble upon something Great?
Only time will tell.
Why is Cave Diving the most dangerous sport in the world?
Exploring the unknown can become dangerous mostly because with no familiarity
to the location you are vulnerable to attack, emotional fear or physical attack.
Underwater Caverns are mazes that might have a dead end, or might seem like they never end
plus your breathing equipment might fail.
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