Legendary underwater photographer Wes Skiles died an unexpected death Wednesday, July 21, 2010 while filming off the coast of Florida at the age of 53.

The pioneering adventure photographer has his story ready to be revealed in the August 2010 issue of National Geographic, complete with cover photo and second-ever pull-out photo. It is a story that will be shared posthumously. Those who knew him expressed their shock and admiration.

"All of us here at DAN were saddened by the recent tragic loss of Wes Skiles." wrote Divers Alert Network CEO Dan Orr. "Wes was truly an iconic figure representing the best of what our sport and our industry had to offer. His exploits above and below the water filled us with awe and wonder as he pushed the boundaries of our knowledge and our technology as his images and tales told us of the beautiful frontiers of this planet. He was truly a man without equal and his passing leaves a hole in our hearts and our sport that can never be filled. As Wes always loved to say to his audience and his friends, we say, “Hey now!” as we bid him goodbye."

He had over 100 film credits and was working on a National Geographic project off the coast of Boynton Beach when the accident occurred.

Details of his death are under review by the coroner's office of Palm Beach County, Florida. His address was listed as High Springs, Florida.

Memorial Service for Wes Skiles July 28, 2010

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