DATELINE: 12 November 2002

WILL SMITHERS, DECOMPRESSION SOFTWARE GURU, DIES IN HELICOPTER CRASH

Will Smithers, author of Z Plan decompression planning software which is widely used by technical divers, died on Monday 11 November when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the ocean off Long Island, New York.
35-year-old Mr Smithers was alone in the helicopter when it crashed into the sea. Wreckage from the craft was later found on the beach and Coastguard called off their search after 24 hours when it became apparent that he had not survived the crash.
Will Smithers was a well-loved and respected character who made his software available free of charge for the benefit of the technical diving community. Z Plan was named after his cat. He had recently completed the decompression software for the Megaladon rebreather and the Hammerhead electronics for the Inspiration along with Kevin Juergensen. His death represents a huge blow to those working at the innovative edge of diving.