Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44

Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44.

Mr Brown's family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.

The Canadian diver was among an international group brought into one of Thailand's most closely followed rescue operations, after 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their coach were trapped by flooding in the Tham Luang cave complex for nine days.

Key role in the Tham Luang operation

During the rescue, Mr Brown helped move air cylinders and equipment through the cave's flooded passages. He also installed and maintained guide lines and supported the chain of divers operating underground.

He spent a total of 63 hours inside the cave over nine days, completing seven separate missions, according to accounts of the operation.

The mission drew global attention in July 2018 as Thai authorities, foreign cave-diving specialists, military personnel and volunteers worked to bring the group out safely. It later inspired films, documentaries, books and a Netflix series.

British divers Richard Stanton, Robert Harper and John Volanthen were also among those involved. Major Buncha Duriyapan, then commander of the 37th Military District in Chiang Rai, said the three British specialists began assessing the cave as soon as they arrived.

"The expert divers went straight from the plane into the cave to make an assessment," he said at the time.

John Volanthen told the BBC during the operation: "We've got a job to do."

Bravery award and tributes

Mr Brown received Canada's Medal of Bravery for his part in the rescue, the country's third-highest award for acts of bravery.

Friends have remembered him as "the brightest light" and "one of the kindest humans I have ever met". Another tribute said: "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 2018 rescue that he was proud of Erik's work and the way he spoke about the team effort afterwards.

"He's a remarkable kid - I get to say that because I'm his big brother," Kirk Brown said. "I'm not surprised he was there."

Picture courtesy of Daily Mail

Join the discussion?

1 October 2026