Brian grew up in Raleigh and was a recent college graduate of UNC – Wilmington,. Brian had an element that everyone yearned for, and that was the love of life.   For Brian it was all things outdoor.  As a child Brian spent countless weekends and summers at Lake Gaston, but early in his life his biggest passion emerged, and that was all experiences living by the sea which started early with attendance in childhood summer programs associated through UNC-W. This is where his passion grew toward marine life sciences and scuba diving. As a young adult, while living in Wilmington and attending UNC-W, Brian grew his passion of spearfishing and free diving.  Brian was so passionate with spearfishing that during his freshman year, he founded the UNC-W charter of the Spearfishing Club.  As a recent graduate of UNC-W, Brian was living his dream by living and working in Wilmington and fostering many strong friendships through activities within the local diving and spearfishing community.

Soon after Brian lost his life at sea on June 22, 2017, the diving community talked and asked themselves, what type of memorial could they offer in Brian's name? From this, the idea was born for sinking an Artificial Reef in honor of him knowing that many who either fish or dive, love to do so on artificial reefs. Plus, artificial reefs create wonderful ecological benefits as well for all marine life. Upon making the decision, Sam Blount owner operator of Front Line Free Diving volunteered to spearhead this effort.  

On a personal note, when Sam discussed this idea with my wife and I, we were so touched and felt truly blessed that Brian was so loved by the many that knew him.    Making this memorial reef a reality will be a benefit for the underwater sea life as well as a pinnacle tribute to the sea life that Brian so loved.  The tangible benefit will be immensely popular both to anglers and divers alike. 

The pictures above show Brian and his friend sitting on their favorite artificial reef, The Hyde.  The other is Brian's spearfish as it lay when it was found on the following day after Brian's passing.    He lost his life approximately 30 miles from the Masonboro inlet, his gun was recovered by Sam Blount with the help from a group of Brian's spearfishing buddies.  The fact that is was found and the way it was found was a miracle and has been a spiritual blessing to our family and has deeply touched the gentlemen involved in the recovery effort.

                                                                               Thank You!
                                                                            God Bless to all.