Eric Brown, a Canadian diver and a member of the historic rescue team that helped save the "Wild Boars Academy" youth soccer team and their coach—13 people trapped inside the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai province in 2018—has died at age 44. No official announcement has been made regarding the exact date or cause of death yet.
Eric Brown, the Canadian diver who played a crucial role in rescuing 12 youth soccer team members and their coach from Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai province in 2018, has died at the age of 44.
Brown’s family and friends announced his death on 26 Sep, but the exact date and cause of death have not been officially confirmed.
Brown had a key role in the globally followed Tham Luang rescue operation after 12 youth soccer players aged 11 to 16 and their coach became trapped inside the cave following heavy rains that flooded the exit and cut them off from the outside world. All 13 were found alive after being trapped for 9 days, and the rescue took another 9 days to bring everyone out safely.
The operation was highly complex and risky due to flooded passages and several narrow sections inside the cave. Divers had to guide each child through underwater routes after administering ketamine to keep them calm during transport.
Brown’s duties included transporting air tanks and necessary equipment into the cave, installing and maintaining guide ropes, and supporting the diving teams who took turns carrying equipment and escorting the children through flooded passages.
Brown’s operation records show he spent a total of 63 hours inside the cave over 9 days and participated in all 7 mission phases.
For his bravery, Brown received Canada’s Medal of Bravery, awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding courage. The Canadian Governor General noted that Brown repeatedly risked his life facing strong currents, submerged obstacles, and tight, dangerous cave passages.
Brown joined expert divers from several countries, including British divers Richard Stanton, Robert Harper, and John Volanthen, specialists in exploring underground cave systems, invited for their extensive cave diving experience.
At that time, Lieutenant General Bancha Duriyapan, Commander of the 37th Military Circle in Chiang Rai, said the three expert divers began working immediately upon arriving in Thailand by entering the cave to assess the situation.
The successful rescue of the Wild Boars team became major global news and was later adapted into books, documentaries, films, and a Netflix series.
Following news of Brown’s death, friends and colleagues posted tributes. One friend described him as "the brightest light" and among the kindest people they had ever known, adding they felt a brotherly bond with him.
Another friend wrote disbelief over Brown’s passing and expressed deep gratitude for having known and loved him. Many others honored him as a hero, saying his name will be remembered.
Eric Brown’s brother, Kirk Brown, once praised Eric during the rescue mission, saying he was proud not only of Eric’s conduct during the operation but also of how he spoke about it afterward, always expressing pride in his teammates and emphasizing their teamwork.
/sourceIndependent/Daily Mail