On 21st July 2010 renowned underwater photographer Wesley (Wes) Skiles died during a photo shoot off Boynton Beach, Florida. He had been shooting footage of Goliath Grouper for National Geographic. At the time Wes was diving an O2ptima rebreather.

Two weeks ago Terri Skiles, Wes’ widow, asked a Palm Beach County jury to award her at least US$25 million in damages from Dive Rite.

The jury has just returned their Verdict Form (Friday 20th May 2016).

We, the jury, return the following verdict:

Was there negligence on the part of LAMARTEK, INC., which was the legal cause of injury or death to WESLEY SKILES? NO

Did LAMARTEK, INC., place a rebreather on the market with a defect which was a legal cause of injury or death to WESLEY SKILES? NO

Did LAMARTEK, INC., fail to warn WESLEY SKILES of a dangerous defect that was a legal cause of injury or death to WESLEY SKILES? NO

Dive Rite has won this lawsuit. They were successfully defended by David Concannon.