



In addition, FALDO links arms with the many groups throughout Florida that work to preserve and protect the unique ecosystems that sustain us all. -- Susan Woods, President
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BOYNTON BEACH — Wes Skiles from High Springs, an internationally renowned freelance photographer for National Geographic magazine and a great friend of Florida springs, died Wednesday while filming underwater in the ocean off the Boynton Beach Inlet, authorities say. His death on Wednesday has shocked his friends and colleagues across the state.
Mr. Skiles, 53, known for his work photographing and filming in caves and the deep ocean, was found unconscious on the ocean floor Wednesday afternoon after leaving his fellow divers to get more film, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Skiles was filming researchers working around a reef about 3 miles east of the Boynton Inlet at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon when he signaled to his colleagues that he was going to head to the surface, sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera said.
He ascended alone. A few minutes later other members of the group heading for the surface found him lying on the ocean floor.
A spokeswoman for National Geographic magazine, whose upcoming issue features a cover photo by Skiles of Bahamas caves, said the local assignment focused on the behavior of high-speed fish off the Florida coast.He had come originally to film the researchers for a National Geographic Television documentary, but after the documentary work ended he stayed on his own to continue filming and observing.
"The work was continuing, and he was so fascinated he decided to stay," said Barbara Moffet, a National Geographic Society spokeswoman.
Skiles' family said he had been excited about his work being featured in the upcoming National Geographic.
"We celebrate his extraordinary life and ask you to do the same," the family said in a prepared statement.
National Geographic magazine called Skiles an "accomplished underwater photographer, cinematographer and explorer with whom we've worked frequently."
National Geographic's website said that Skiles specialized "in capturing images of people and wildlife on the edge of extreme frontiers."
In addition to his freelance work with National Geographic, Skiles was featured in Outside and various diving publications, according to National Geographic's website.
He has been involved in the production and filming of more than 100 films, including documentaries for PBS, A&E TV and Discovery Channel. Skiles also owned his own production company, Karst Productions and Karst Environmental Services. He will be remembered most for his influence in protecting Florida’s springs as he served as the education chair of the Florida Springs Task Force.
He is survived by a wife, Terri, and two children, Nathan and Tessa.
Wes Skiles Remembered:
If Florida had
a Photographer Laureate, John Moran should hold that title."

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