Thai cave rescuer Richard Harris given devastating news after successful mission

Dr Richard Harris' father died shortly after the successful cave rescue.

As reported by WAToday, Dr Harris, an Australian doctor and expert diver, was hailed a hero recently for helping with the rescue of the trapped cave boys in Thailand.

However, just hours after helping the boys to safety, he received the devastating news that his father passed away.

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The news about his father's death was confirmed by Dr Andrew Pearce from South Australia's Ambulance Service’s medical retrieval service

Dr Pearce said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I confirm that Harry's dad passed away last night a short time after the successful rescue operation in Thailand."

"He will be coming home soon and taking some well-earned time off to be with his family. He has asked that the family's privacy is respected at this time."

According to him, the death of Dr Harris' father was unexpected and that the circumstances are still unknown.

Julie Bishop, the Foreign Affairs Minister, said earlier that the anaesthetist and expert cave rescue diver from South Australia had played an "integral part" in the rescue operation in Thailand.

The British diving team requested Dr Harris' presence for his skills in cave diving rescue and his expertise in hyperbaric medicine.

Dr Harris was the one who signed off on the health of the trapped boys. He also personally assessed each boy before their rescue to make sure they were well enough to make the journey to safety. He didn't leave the cave until the last rescued had gone.

"I have spoken with Harry. This is clearly a time of grief for the Harris family, magnified by the physical and emotional demands of being part of this week’s highly complex and ultimately successful rescue operation," said Dr Pearce.

He added: "Harry is a quiet and kind man who did not think twice about offering his support on this mission."

"We are delighted that Harry and the boys are safe and that he was able to play such a remarkable role in the Australian response."

Dr Harris has attracted international attention. Many people praised him according to his excellent greatness.