Two men, aged 75 and 78, were found dead following a diving incident near Front Beach in Rockport, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, October 4, around 11 am. Local authorities responded to a call about a diver facing medical difficulties.
Alan De Oliveira Leao, 75, from Pepperell, was the first to be identified. Bystanders and emergency personnel provided immediate assistance upon discovering him. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. During the investigation, it was determined that another diver was missing.
The second diver, Richard Brady, 78, from Hampton, New Hampshire was discovered dead in the ocean close to Front Beach.
While the exact cause of the divers’ deaths remains undetermined, local reports suggest they were testing new diving equipment in preparation for an upcoming trip to Venezuela. Mary-Alice Miller, Richard Brady’s daughter, mentioned the men were meticulous about examining their gear before trips. She highlighted her father’s passion for diving, especially when joined by Leao, his brother-in-law.
Alan Leao Jr., the son of Alan De Oliveira Leao, spoke about his father, a Brazilian immigrant, and his uncle’s global diving adventures. He emphasized their determination and enthusiasm for the sport, undeterred by their age.
Authorities see no signs of foul play related to the incident. The police issued a statement, extending condolences to both families and stressing the importance of the ongoing investigation to ascertain the events leading to the deaths.