BANGKOK, Thailand – Erik Brown, the Canadian cave diver who played a role in the 2018 rescue of the Wild Boars football team from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai, has died at the age of 44, his family and friends announced, without disclosing the date or cause of death.

Chiang Rai marks 2nd anniversary of Tham Luang Cave Rescue

Brown was part of the international team that raced to save 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their coach after flooding trapped them underground for nine days. During the operation he ferried air cylinders and equipment through flooded passages, installed and maintained guide lines, and supported the relay of divers working deep inside the cave. Over nine days he spent 63 hours underground across seven missions.

The mission captured global attention in July 2018 as Thai authorities, foreign cave-diving specialists, military personnel and volunteers worked to bring the group out safely, later inspiring films, documentaries, books and a Netflix series. Among those involved were British divers Richard Stanton, Vernon Unsworth, Robert Harper and John Volanthen. Major Buncha Duriyapan, then commander of the 37th Military District in Chiang Rai, recalled that the British specialists went straight from the plane into the cave to assess conditions, while Volanthen told the BBC during the operation: “We’ve got a job to do.”

Tham Luang cave in Doi Nang Non, Chiang Rai

Brown received Canada’s Medal of Bravery, the country’s third-highest award for acts of bravery. Friends remembered him as “the brightest light” and “one of the kindest humans I have ever met,” with another tribute adding: “I can’t quite believe you’re gone, so incredibly lucky to have known and loved you.” His brother Kirk told Canadian media during the rescue that he was proud of Erik’s work and how he credited the team effort, saying: “He’s a remarkable kid — I get to say that because I’m his big brother. I’m not surprised he was there.”

-Thailand News (TN)