(In Memoriam) David Purkeypile, PADI Master Instructor

It is with deep sadness for us at Rumblefish Adventure and GoPro Thailand to announce the passing of our good friend and colleague, 'Big Dave.'

What led to his death is mostly hearsay, and I gathered as much info from his girlfriend, his ex-business partner of his new restaurant, and Mike Marchbanks. I found out about Dave's condition from Mike in the morning of the day after...

The story..."Dave went to Phuket International Hospital for severe stomach pain on the 9th September, 2009. After 3-4 hours of waiting for tests and x-rays etc, PIH doctor diagnosed that he has pancreatitis, however, PIH does not have the facility or equipment to treat him. He was directed to Vachira Hospital, after he went into unconsciousness and was unable to confirm his ability to pay for his treatment (eventhough he does have insurance, credit card, cash in the bank etc). His girlfriend finally contacted Mike Marchbanks hours later, and Mike authorized his admittance into the ICU. During that same evening, his liver failed and Dave went into a coma. Blood dialysis was initiated the next morning, however he never regained consciousness."

He passed away at Vachira Hospital, succumbed to acute pancreatitis, which led to failure of his liver and kidneys, on the evening of the 10th September, 2009.

We will always remember Dave for his wicked laughs, hearty smiles, a larger than life personality and generosity to all those in our dive communities of Kata Beach, Phuket and Bakersfield, California.

Here are some of Dave's photos at our Picassa Site.