NOAA scientist dies on recreational dive - Hawaii

[DandyDon]

From https://www.facebook.com/NOAACRED/

The NOAA family in Hawaii and the boarder University of Hawaii and ocean sciences communities are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of Dr. John Rooney on Saturday during a recreational diving accident. John has been working as a research geomorphologist with NOAA-CREP and University of Hawaii-Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) since finishing his PhD in ~2002 at the University of Hawaii. John has been leading the NOAA-CREP Ecospatial Information Team (formerly the Benthic Habitat Mapping Team) since about 2008. John and his team have been instrumental in comprehensively mapping the coral reef and other benthic habitats surrounding all of the ~50 islands and atolls of the U.S. Pacific Islands using multibeam sonars, high-resolution satellite imagery, towed camera systems, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, manned submersibles, and technical diving. John particularly loved conducting research to explore mesophotic (>30 m to ~150 m) and deepwater coral ecosystems (>150 m). Prior to graduate school in Hawaii, John served as an officer in the United States Navy. John was an outstanding and well-respected scientist, a trusted and loyal shipmate and friend, and a devoted husband and father. He will be sorely missed by all who had the honor and pleasure to know him and work with him. John is survived by his lovely wife Cassy and son Dylan. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[Nuribromanski]

tech dive on ccr but no details newhere??