32-year-old Nicholas Mevoli dies in Bahamas free diving contest

Read for instance AP and AIDA‘s statement:

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Nicholas Mevoli, of the United States, passed away today after a dive at the 2013 Vertical Blue Competition. Nick had performed a constant weight no fins dive to 72m, reached depth, and swam back to the surface successfully. Nick attempted to complete the surface protocol, but was unsuccessful and had difficulty breathing. He lost consciousness, and in spite of great efforts by the doctor and paramedic on site, failed to recover after reaching the local hospital. Nick appears to have suffered from a depth-related injury to his lungs.

Nick lived in Brooklyn, New York, and worked in the television industry. He was a passionate waterman, spearfisherman and freediver, and vocal advocate for the sport in the United States. Nick was an extraordinary talent, breaking the US constant weight record shortly after beginning competitive freedive in 2012. This year, Nick took second place in the inaugural Caribbean Cup in Roatan, first place at the Deja Blue competition in Curaçao, and a silver medal in constant no fins at this year’s AIDA Depth World Championship in Greece.
Nick’s friends will miss his warm smile and sense of humor, and eagerness to spearfish and dive at any time.

Aida Board