Community unites in memory of local diver

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Back in June 21 -year-old Brian Davis died in a diving accident off the coast of North Carolina.

Tonight family and close friends of Davis are raising money to sink a ship in memory of him.

Dozens gathered to continue raising money for the Brain Davis Reef Project.

“What we’re trying to do is sink another ship 115 to 120 foot steel tug boat out by the Greg Mickey which is that original ship wreck, so that’s the project. Hopefully it will provide a lot of habitat to fish as well as provide new diving sites for divers as well as fisherman to catch some stuff,” organizer Sam Blount said.

As they continue to raise money for the memorial they remember their loved one.

“Brian was what I call a magnifier of life he just seemed to make everything much more jubilant he illuminated things he was just a real pleasure to be around with,” Brian Davis’s father Charles Davis said.

His mother Kathryn Davis said she knows he is smiling down on everyone right now.

“Oh I think hes, he would be smiling from ear to ear that’s for sure. He would just be thrilled about it,” Kathryn said.

Blount said more than $35,000 worth of items have been donated and the community has given a lot of support.

“This is just a great way to continue raising funds it’s a great way to bring the community together before actually sinking the ship,” Blount said.

A ship Brian’s parent can’t wait to see sink in memory of their son.

“We really want to drive this hard, this tribute to Brian. It would just be something that I think would never be forgotten and I’m sure Brian will be in spirit there not there one day if I could get over that boat, so anyway we look forward to that day,” Charles said.

They will continue raising the funds until the project can be completed.

Organizers said they have no set goal, but hope to raise somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 tonight to get closer to the final goal of $75,000.