Thai cave rescue hero dies aged 44

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A hero diver who helped to rescue 12 young footballers and their coach from a flooded Thai cave has died at the age of 44.

Canadian Erik Brown played a key role in the extraordinary 2018 Tham Luang operation.

It was launched after 12 members of the Wild Boars youth football team, aged between 11 and 16 at the time, and their coach became trapped deep inside the Tham Luang cave complex.

Monsoon rains caused rapid flooding, blocking the exit and cutting the group off from the outside world.

They were discovered alive nine days later, and the complex rescue operation took a further nine days. It involved sedating each boy with ketamine and guiding them safely to the surface.

The successful extraction captured headlines globally, inspiring books, documentaries, feature films and a dedicated Netflix series.

Brown helped during the operation by carrying air tanks and essential equipment through the cave, installing and maintaining guide ropes, and supporting the relay of divers working along the flooded channels.

His courage earned him Canada’s Medal of Bravery, with the country’s governor-general saying that he “repeatedly put his life at risk” while “fighting against rushing currents and low-hanging obstructions and squeezing through dangerously narrow passages.”

According to his log, Brown spent 63 hours inside the subterranean complex over nine days across seven separate missions.

Friends and family announced his death on 26 September, though the precise date and cause of death have not yet been officially confirmed.

Tributes have since poured in for the diver, with one friend writing: “He was the brightest light, a dear friend, and one of the kindest humans I have ever met.

“I was instantly drawn to him and loved him like a brother. As he moved abroad I loved watching him create his life in the farthest reaches of the planet.. some of the deepest depths of the seas.

“My heart is heavy for his family and close friends and I send my deepest condolences.”

Another person said: “I can’t quite believe you’re gone, so incredibly lucky to have known and loved you.”

One mourner wrote: “RIP hero, your name will be remembered.”

Another person added: “Sad news, it has been a pleasure meeting you on the rock. RIP Erik.”

Another tribute read: “RIP Erik, it has been a pleasure and honor knowing you.”