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On 3/31/2012 at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida, KARST Underwater Research (KUR) team members were performing a series of dives which included entering and exiting the cave system. Marson Kay, a two-year veteran of KUR's all volunteer team, drowned while exiting the cave system. The following information, based on eye witness and forensic evidence, provides some insight into this tragic accident.

Following a successful dive into the cave at 180 feet, Marson Kay signaled he was exiting. From that point, a 1/2" braided white rope leads upwards to 142 feet, where the crevasse area of the cavern begins. Although the cave narrows at this point, the rope, now colored orange with a diameter of 7/16", is placed in the largest easement leading to a depth of 68 feet, where daylight clearly can be seen at all times. Instead of following the ropes as he had done multiple times in the past, Marson rapidly moved into a highly restrictive area of the crevasse. It is believed that this behavior was not a calculated decision but a reaction caused by the affects of an embolism he incurred while rapidly ascending from depth. According to the coroner's evaluation, Marson developed a cerebral arterial gas embolism prior to his death. Typically, this condition causes profound changes in mental functioning including disorientation, blindness, paralysis, seizures and loss of consciousness within minutes or even seconds of onset. If it occurs after surfacing, it is often fatal or profoundly disabling even with prompt recompression therapy; when it occurs underwater, the incapacity or unconsciousness it causes almost always results in drowning.

Although safety divers were in visual contact and additional safety gas cylinders were in place, he rapidly pushed himself upward into an area where even side-mount divers could not easily access. Several attempts were made to communicate, by means of light signals as well as touch contact. Although Marson was still moving at this time, he did not directly respond to these communication attempts. After approximately 5 minutes, divers reported Marson was no longer utilizing his regulator. A subsequent review of his equipment indicated that Marson had approximately half of his gas supply remaining in both of his tanks and his regulators appeared to be working properly.

Cave diving is an inherently dangerous activity, just as rock-climbing, mountain biking and even horseback riding. All cave divers understand the risks of diving in underwater caves and accept them as an inescapable part of the activity they are so passionate about. Marson's accidental death is great personal loss to all that knew and loved him as well as to our team. We will do the best we can to honor his memory.

It has been a while since I updated the blog.  For those that actually read it (hi Mom), I apologize.  I have found myself using Twitter more and more; the concept of micro-blogging fits well into my lifestyle and attention span.  To find out what I am talking about on Twitter and for more timely conversations about my explorations, follow @WalterPickel.  Other members of the ADM Exploration Team that can be found on Twitter are @JoshBernstein, @JonBojar, @CurtBowen, and @EricDeister. Some are more active than others; your mileage may vary!

So much has been going on in the world of caving and cave diving it is almost dizzying.  We, the ADM Exploration Team, kept a pretty low profile throughout the Summer and early Fall.  We have been focusing on creating a close core group of explorers and setting potential missions for the next year or so.  We have also been working on some local cave exploration with The Karst Conservancy right here in Central Florida.  Nothing beats discovering and exploring virgin dry and wet caves right in your own backyard!

Working with the caving and cave diving communities is very important to me.  I am very blessed to have the opportunities I have and enjoy sharing them with others and working with others to become better explorers.  My latest contribution comes in the form  of FREE clinics!  I recently completed the second climbing and caving clinic for 2011 and ADM Exploration Team also held a free sidemount clinic in July.  The sidemount clinic was intended to introduce cave divers to sidemount diving and from what I was told, we achieved our goal.

The most recent climbing and caving clinic was held in conjunction with the 2011 NACD Annual Seminar and it was a great success!  I honestly never tire of watching and listening to those that are new to this side of the sport and hear the enthusiasm they gain for it just by spending a few hours in the woods and in caves. 

During our past clinic.  I had the pleasure of working with the closest thing I have seen to a "natural" -- Anthea Ibell.  Anthea is the 2011 Rolex Our World Underwater Scholarship winner!  Pretty cool stuff she is doing and I expect to see her name associated with caving, diving and exploration for years to come.

Our climbing and caving clinics expose participants to real world exploration scenarios.  Although climbing in trees is worthwhile and great practice, nothing beats experiencing the real thing. 

I would like to graciously thank The Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) for being our partners in these clinics.  The cave we normally use for clinics is owned by SCCi and is located in Ocala, FL.  The SCCi currently owns or leases 27 preserves containing 185 caves in six southeastern states.  If you are not already, I would highly recommend you join the SCCi and do your part in preserving caves that need protection or management.

As concerned explorers, we have begun putting a more renewed focus on the ADM Exploration Foundation.  Our foundation's mission is to further the knowledge and understanding of history and science through the exploration, research and documentation beneath the water.  As you know, we have made some exciting discoveries in the past (artifacts in Mexico and Guatemala, primate fossils in the Dominican Republic).  We have also worked to strengthen our knowledge and academic relationships as well as improve our in-water excavation and artifact handling procedures.  Given that and the gravity of our recent cave diving expeditions and the discoveries made on them, we feel that we are uniquely positioned to help the archaeological and academic communities with underwater archaeology and look forward to more opportunities.

I would like to personally thank Light Monkey, our lighting sponsor, for always making sure we have the best lighting equipment out there!  If you are looking for a new light, I cannot encourage you enough to give them a call and find out what they have to offer.

As most of you are aware, sidemount diving has started to go mainstream.  Even PADI is now getting into the game by offering sidemount courses.  Before putting your toe in the water (or Putting Another Dollar In) I would highly recommend everyone sign up for a FREE sidemount clinic being offered by the ADM Exploration Team.

The clinic will be held on July 16th and 17th at Ginnie Springs in High Springs, FL.  We will be focusing on both open circuit as well as closed circuit so there will be information for everyone.  Additionally, non cave divers are welcome to participate.

You will learn techniques, configuration tips, and tricks of the trade from the original designers and explorers of the Armadillo OC and CCR harness.  Light Monkey will also have there 12W LED sidemount light available for use as well as their 35W HID powerhouse!

Click here to sign up.  Space is limited and registration is required.