We are getting initial details that a Veolia diver has died in the Gulf of Mexico.
*Out of respect for the family, the Diver’s name is intentionally removed until an official announcement is made.*
On July 2nd at approximately 11:30am, a 33 year old diver died while in Sat, locked out at 250-260 fsw below the Norman Clipper. The Norman Clipper is a Veolia vessel performing work on an oil rig for Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico. The Diver was prepping a downer for rigging when “what might have been an underwater explosion” occurred.
A standby diver was deployed and found the diver unconscious and unresponsive. The standby diver brought the victim back to the bell to perform CPR, however the standby diver was unable to revive the victim.
The Norman Clipper is currently headed back to port.
*UPDATED*
Friend and fellow commercial diver, Chris Hollifield, was killed July 2nd in a subsea explosion while sat. diving for Veolia. He is survived by his mother and father, wife and unborn son.
…A trust fund has been set up for his unborn son. If you wish to contribute, please contact,
Palmetto Bank
11500 Asheville Highway
Inman, SC 29349
The Tanner Hollifield Trust Fund.
Memorials for Chris Hollifield can be sent to,
Halter
PO Box 1403
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Thanks again for all the support.
The memorial service will be Wednesday July 7th from 6-9 PM @ Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg, SC.
The funeral service will be Thursday @ 11 AM at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel followed by the burial at Sunset Memorial Park.