Jared Hires: A Tragic Loss in the Depths of Plura Cave

The Diving Community Mourns the Loss of Jared Hires in the Tragic Plura Cave Accident.

In a somber announcement that has sent shockwaves through the global diving community, it was confirmed that Jared Hires, the esteemed General Manager of Dive Rite, tragically passed away during a cave diving expedition in Plura Cave, Norway, on April 3, 2024. Hires, aged 33, was part of an experienced team of nine international divers exploring the renowned but challenging cave system when the accident occurred.

Reports indicate that Hires suffered a seizure while underwater, leading to immediate rescue efforts by his team members. Despite being swiftly brought to the surface and over an hour of determined life-saving attempts by medics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Norwegian police, led by Chief Officer Alf Ulrik Stenberg Rokstad, acknowledged the valiant efforts of the fellow divers and personnel on site, with a heartbreaking outcome.

Jared Hires was not only a pivotal figure in the diving equipment industry but also an individual whose life was deeply rooted in the world of scuba and cave diving. Following in the illustrious footsteps of his father, cave diving pioneer Lamar Hires, Jared immersed himself in the family’s passion from a young age. In an interview with Diver Magazine, he fondly recollected the advantages of growing up in a diving-centric family, highlighting his early access to state-of-the-art gear and the underwater world.

His contributions to the field of technical and cave diving extended far beyond his professional role at Dive Rite, a company celebrated for its innovation and commitment to the development of high-quality diving equipment. Jared’s approachability, enthusiasm, and expertise made him a beloved figure within the community, both locally and internationally.

The news of his untimely demise has left friends, colleagues, and acquaintances in a state of disbelief and grief. Social media tributes describe the profound loss felt by those who knew him, emphasizing the void his passing leaves in the hearts of many. Statements range from expressions of devastation and condolences to reflections on his significant impact on cave diving and beyond.

The outpouring of support for his family underscores the deep respect and affection the community holds for Jared and his legacy.

As the details of this tragic event continue to unfold, the collective mourning of the global cave and technical diving community serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with exploring the underwater world. It also highlights the tight-knit bonds formed among those who share this profound passion.

Jared Hires will be remembered not just for his professional achievements but also for his genuine warmth, pioneering spirit, and the indelible mark he left on the world of diving. His legacy will undoubtedly endure through the work of Dive Rite and the memory of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jared Hires:

Stands as a prominent figure in the world of technical and cave diving, having established himself as an authority within this challenging and demanding discipline. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the universe of underwater exploration, Jared began his relationship with the ocean at an impressively young age. His first experiences with diving occurred around the tender age of 5, where he was introduced to the wonders beneath the waves, breathing from his father’s regulator. It was an initiation that set the stage for a life dedicated to mastering the depths.

By the age of 15, Jared had already made significant strides in his diving career, becoming the youngest certified rebreather diver—a monumental achievement that spoke volumes about his dedication and skill. This early exposure to advanced diving techniques and equipment fueled his passion, leading him to become both CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather) and cave trained at this young age. Such accomplishments at an early stage in his life underscored Jared’s exceptional talent and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of technical diving.

In his role as the General Manager of Dive Rite, Jared continued to influence the technical and cave diving community significantly. Under his leadership, Dive Rite, a company celebrated for its pioneering spirit and commitment to quality, remained at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jared’s contributions to the field extended far beyond the realm of product development and management. He was an educator and an advocate for the safe practice of technical and cave diving, sharing his knowledge and experiences to inspire and inform others. His legacy is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to the advancement of the sport he loved so dearly.

Jared’s story is not just about the depth he reached underwater but also about the profound impact he made on the surface. His legacy continues through the work of Dive Rite and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him or learning from his vast experiences. Jared Hires was more than a diver; he was an explorer, innovator, and a cherished member of the global diving community.