We regret to inform you of the untimely death of Jeremy Carmichael, a dedicated diver whose life was tragically cut short after he went missing off the coast of Destin, Florida. Jeremy’s last known position, on what initially appeared to be a routine diving expedition, was precisely 12 miles offshore, at 30°11.925’N 086°46.395’W. He was last seen at around 1 PM on the fateful afternoon of his disappearance, sporting his iconic neon orange diving tank and his go-to camo-patterned wetsuit. Jeremy was well-known for his daring nature and love of the sea, so when he vanished, the town was enthralled and worried individuals and local authorities pooled their resources to launch a massive search and rescue operation. Jeremy’s body was tragically found in the waters near Destin, bringing a terrible end to the search and leaving friends, family, and the town in a state of mourning. This was despite the search teams’ amazing and unceasing efforts.
The ocean was Jeremy Carmichael’s obsession, and it shaped the man he was. His fascination with the secrets and beauty hidden beneath the waves began at an early age, and he spent many hours exploring the waters off the coast of Florida. As Jeremy became older, his love for diving deepened, and he rose to prominence in the neighborhood diving scene. Jeremy was well-known for his expertise, understanding, and sincere love of marine life. His investigations were frequently hailed as daring and inspiring. His friends remember his wide-eyed fascination with the sea, whether it was exploring the deep blue to find something few people had seen or studying the tiniest marine organisms. For Jeremy, being near the water was not just a pastime but also his life’s passion and a haven of contentment. Not only for those who knew and loved him, but also for the entire diving community, of which Jeremy had grown to be such a vital part, his sudden passing has left a huge vacuum.
Upon hearing that Jeremy was missing, everyone who knew him was deeply concerned, and this was reflected in the rapidity with which the search was started. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), moved swiftly to respond. In a valiant effort to locate Jeremy alive, search crews used sonar equipment, boats, and airplanes to scour the area day and night. A large portion of the Gulf of Mexico was covered by the massive operation, and rescue crews persevered in their effort to return Jeremy home in spite of the difficult circumstances. As the hours stretched into days, his friends and family hung on for news and updates. Sadly, Jeremy’s body was found during the search, despite their best efforts, marking a heartbreaking end to a terrifying experience that had touched many people’s hearts.
The Destin community is still in sorrow over Jeremy’s death because he was not only a superb diver but also a devoted son, brother, and friend. People who know Jeremy best talk about his contagious enthusiasm for life, his limitless energy, and his kindness. He was one of those people that lived life to the fullest, constantly looking for new experiences and chances to get outside and spend time in nature. Jeremy had a great love of the water and frequently spread this enthusiasm to friends and fellow divers, teaching them the value of protecting the environment and marine conservation. His friends characterize him as a man who never shied away from a challenge, be it stepping into the unknown or offering assistance to a stranger. Jeremy was a resilient and upbeat person, and those who knew him well will remember these traits most.