Famed local cave diver Wes Skiles dies during dive

Wes Skiles, a well-known cave diver, explorer, cinematographer and director, died Wednesday afternoon while diving off Boynton Beach, Fla.  Skiles had reportedly been filming for National Geographic prior to his death, but officials with the company say he had already wrapped-up his work on that project.

The cause for Skiles’ death is unknown, but fellow divers in his company at the time of the incident say he had planned to ascend to the surface to get additional film for his camera, but when they later ascended as well, they saw his body on the reef where they had been diving.  The divers brought his body to the surface and administered CPR, but he was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

The 52-year-old High Springs resident was a renowned for his work in and knowledge of underwater caves, particularly in north central Florida.  Skiles owned and operated Karst Productions, a High Springs company and he also directed film and photography for such companies as National Geographic and Discovery.

For additional details, see the follow-up story to be published in the July 29 edition of Alachua County Today.