Jerry Ligon--RIP

[lmorin]

I am sorry to report that Jerry Ligon has passed away. He knew and loved the birds and aquatic life of Bonaire.

The Bonaire Insider - News Item: Bonaire Says Goodbye

 

[Bandeko]

Very sad news. A great guy, and a wonderful asset to all divers. Rest in Peace Jerry.

 

[KathyV]

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that! I have dived with Jerry and talked with him many times; he was a wonderful naturalist and he loved Bonaire. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, may he rest in peace.

 

[DiveMaven]

How sad So glad to have had the opportunity to dive with him and take his naturalist course. He will be missed.

 

[darook]

It would be nice if they named a site in his honor. Perhaps Oil Slick where he passed. RIP Jerry.

 

[KathyV]

A fund has been set up for Jerry Ligon for those who would care to donate to "help complete his goals" for a "celebration of his life"

JERRY LIGON CELEBRATION OF LIFE by Michael Gaynor - GoFundMe

---------- Post added September 10th, 2015 at 07:30 PM ----------

Does anyone know what they mean by "he was found" at Oil Slick Leap, did he have a heart attack?

Welcome to The Bonaire Reporter

We are sad to report the sudden death of a Bonaire Tourist industry icon, Jerry Ligon. Jerry was found yesterday, Wednesday, September 9, at the Oil Slick Leap dive site according to reports.

He was a humble, gentle, private man with a talent for getting Bonaire residents and visitors enthusiastic about the nature of Bonaire, especially its birds, butterflies and fish. He made his voice heard however, when he spoke out and defended the island's environment.

Numerous tourists said he was one of the reasons they loved Bonaire. Jerry's tours engendered that affection for the island he made his home for over 20 years.

Our condolences to his family and his friends.

Check Jerry's Facebook page for the expressions of the great loss people are feeling.
A memorial service is planned for Monday, September 14, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bonaire's Consuelo Funeral Home.

---------- Post added September 10th, 2015 at 07:40 PM ----------

Here's a nice film clip of Jerry:

https://youtu.be/R1dKGxIFczA

 

[darook]

Wondering the same thing. It could have been a medical, dive related or self inflicted. The ambiguity does not lead to complete closure.

 

[KathyV]

Wondering the same thing. It could have been a medical, dive related or self inflicted. The ambiguity does not lead to complete closure.

I suppose that there is another category - violence - but that seems unlikely, it would have been mentioned in the news stories.

 

[lmorin]

One story is that Jerry posted messages in "social media" pointing toward this outcome and those messages precipitated a search for him which led, too late, to the discovery at Oil Slick.

 

[new hampshire diver]

Very sad news, my favorite dives were when Jerry was the dive master. I took his class years ago and loved! I will miss him in March when I am on the island.