Cave diver Brett Hemphill dies in Texas accident
October 7, 2023Brett Hemphill, an acclaimed cave diver, technical diver, and explorer, tragically passed away while exploring the Phantom Springs cave system in Texas.
The incident occurred in Phantom Springs, which is known as the deepest natural cave in the United States. This cave system is notoriously challenging and requires divers with advanced skill and experience.
Brett Hemphill was the president of Karst Underwater Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, studying, and preserving underwater karst environments. He was a prominent figure in the world of cave and technical diving, making significant contributions to sidemount configurations and playing a crucial role in underwater cave exploration, mapping, and research for many years.
Becky Kagan Schott, an award-winning underwater photographer and videographer, had the opportunity to work on multiple documentaries with Hemphill. In a heartfelt statement on Facebook, she expressed her shock and sorrow at the news of his passing.
“Brett B Hemphill, you have been a guiding force in my life since I was 18 years old. You believed in me and took me to places I could only dream of. We explored caves together, from the enchanting Weeki Wachee cave to the haunting depths. Your jokes and positive attitude were contagious. Your thirst for knowledge and pushing the boundaries of cave exploration was truly admirable. The excitement in your voice when talking about caves was always genuine and infectious. You were not only an explorer but also a dear friend.
“Knowing you for 23 years, hearing your stories of exploration and your tales of family always brought a smile to my face. Our collaborations on documentaries in Florida,
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