A US Air Force pilot was found dead off the coast of Florida on Saturday morning.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) issued a water advisory on Facebook Friday for a “swimmer in distress” in the Gulf of Mexico, who was last seen at 4:30 p.m., one mile south of East Pass in Destin. The swimmer, identified as Nicholas Brown, was reportedly wearing a black wetsuit and a yellow snorkel.
OCSO confirmed later Saturday morning that Brown was found dead. “It is tragic that the missing diver has been found dead. Please join us in sending our sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends,” the news release said.
OCSO told McClatchy News that Brown’s body “was located in about 80 feet of water, about 50 feet from where he was last seen.”
According to a GoFundMe campaign created in his memory, Brown — whose nickname was “Smog” — was snorkeling when he went missing. Freediving does not use underwater breathing apparatus like scuba gear, but instead relies on long-term breath holding.
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A message on the GoFundMe page describes Brown as a “loving wife and great father” of two young children. “Smog will be terribly missed by all who knew him. This GoFundMe has been set up to help care for his bereaved family,” it said. “All proceeds will go directly to the Brown family.”
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In a news release issued Sunday, the 33rd Fighter Wing’s public affairs office said Brown, 34, served as an instructor pilot for the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He was originally from Austin, Texas.
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US Air Force Col. Dave Skalicky, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, to which Brown was assigned, said in a statement that the unit was grieving the loss of a “valued teammate.”
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Captain Brown’s family, friends, fellow Nomads and all those affected by this tragic loss,” he said. “We are now focused on caring for those closest to him and providing all the support and resources we can to our Nomads and families during this difficult time.”
According to the statement, the details surrounding Brown’s death are currently under investigation.
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Source: HIS Education