A hero doctor who helped save Thai boys from the cave suffers tragedy

While celebrations were held around the world as a result of the successful rescue of the Thai cave, a hero who was the last to leave the mountain discovered that his father was dead

. – known as Harry – would have been the last person to leave the cave overnight, having played a crucial role in the complex mission of rescuing the boys and their coach.

The 53-year-old man abandoned a family He traveled to the north of Thailand, where he plunged 4 km through cold, dark and narrow passages to reach the boys and judged them medically fit to try the risky escape mission.

And this afternoon it was revealed that In a statement, his colleague, the director of clinical services of MedSTAR, Dr. Andrew Pearce, said that it was "with great sadness that the father Harry died last night "[19659]. 002] "The entire SA Ambulance Service team is incredibly proud of Dr. Harris," reads the release.

"The week has been tumultuous with ups and downs.We are delighted that Harry and the boys are safe and that he has been able to play such a remarkable role in the Australian response.

"Harry is a calm and kind man who has not hesitated to offer his support to this mission.

"It is with great sadness that I confirm that Harry's father died last night, shortly after the successful rescue operation in Thailand."

"I spoke with Harry's family, amplified by the physical and emotional demands of being part of this week's very complex and ultimately successful rescue operation."

Harris was one of 19 divers who helped escort the last five members of the group out of Tham Luang Cave during their most difficult rescue operations. days.

Over the years of experience, South Australia has evaluated which of them should be rescued first and controlled on their physical conditions while they were escorted through the perilous network of the cave to be safe,

he was there to give them medical approval and he only went away once everyone was safe and sound.

Hundreds of Australians have called social media for the expert and the cave diver to receive the Australian award of the year for his heroism in the incredible rescue mission

"If ever a guy deserved to be Australian of the year, it's that man," writes a commentator on Twitter. "He is what embodies the true spirit of this country."

"Words can not even describe how much this guy makes me proud to be Australian," writes another. "In a world where we sometimes honor people for the most insignificant reasons, it's time to recognize a real-life hero like Richard Harris."

British divers specifically asked the talented doctor for the operation However, this is not the first time that Dr. Harris finds himself at the center of a tragic rescue operation.

The well-known diver was also summoned for a life-threatening dive mission in 2011, when he was tasked with recovering the body of his companion Agnes Milowka

She ran out of air when An expedition to Tank Cave near Mount Gambier in South Australia, but Dr. Harris had to find the strength to pull his mask and recover his lifeless body from the dangerous cavern.

South Australian police specifically asked Dr. Harris because of the complexity of the 8 kilometers of winding underwater passages inside the perilous network of caves. 02] She became disoriented during the tragic 2011 mission to South Australia and ran out of air trying to figure out how to navigate a difficult section of the cave.

The heartbreaking mission is just one among Harris' illustrious career, which has driven him to become one of the most sought after professionals in the field.

He was described as "essential" to the rescue offer to rescue Thai schoolchildren trapped because of his unique skills and experience. "He's an interesting character," MedSTAR Clinical Director Andrew Pearce told reporters on Monday as relief operations in Thailand continued.

"Harry is altruistic, he is extremely thoughtful, he is a calm person, he is the type of guy who will give everything."

"He was actually destined to be on vacation and gave up his vacation so that he can be part of it. "

Governor of Chiang Rai Narongsak Osottanakorn also praised Dr. Harris's efforts overnight.

" (The Australians) were d & # 39; great help, especially the doctor, "Osotanakorn told News9," Very good, the best – not good – the best. "