Stephen Keenan is an Irish freediving safety diver renowned for his dedication, skill and courage in the world of freediving — a sport that requires athletes to dive deep underwater without necessity. breathing.
As co-founder of Free diver Dahab and as a respected safety diver at prominent competitions, he has become a central figure in the freediving community. His story has gained wider recognition through Netflix Documentary 2023 The Deepest Breathwhich highlights his partnership with Italian free diver Alessia Zecchini and the events surrounding his untimely death during a dive in Egypt’s Blue Hole.
File
- Full name: Stephen Keenan
- Date of birth: December 1, 1977
- Age (as of 2024): 47 (Dead)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- Nationality: Irish
- Occupation: Free safety diver, diving instructor
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Peter Keenan (father), Maura Keenan (mother)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Not applicable
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Single
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Irish
- Net worth (as of 2017): $4 million
Early life and education
Stephen Keenan was born on December 1, 1977IN Glasnevin, Dublin. Growing up in a supportive family, Stephen’s adventurous spirit was nurtured from a young age. His parents, Peter and Maura Keenan, encouraged his curiosity and passion for exploration. After completing his studies in Dublin, he embarked on extensive travels, exploring areas such as South America And West Africa.
During this time, Stephen took on odd jobs to pay for his travels, gaining life experiences that would later influence his freediving career. Returning to Ireland, he completed his diving training and discovered apnea, the discipline of breath-hold diving. This discovery marked the beginning of his serious pursuit of freediving, and he eventually became a proficient instructor.
Personal life
Stephen Keenan has built deep relationships within the freediving community, forming lasting friendships with divers around the world. Although he was never married and had no children, his professional relationship with Italian free diver Alessia Zecchini was pivotal in his life. They train and perform diving activities together, cultivating a relationship based on mutual trust and a shared passion for the sport.
Outside the country, Stephen is known for his adventurous personality, his love of Irish culture and the country’s vibrant social life. Dahab, Egyptwhere he built a community of like-minded individuals in the world of freediving.
Career
Stephen Keenan’s freediving journey began after he trained as a freediving and scuba diving instructor. His early teaching work in Egypt led to its founding Free diver Dahab IN 2015. The school quickly gained a reputation for its rigorous training and became a hub for freedivers of all levels.
Stephen’s expertise extends beyond teaching. As a safety diver, he is a trusted presence at highly competitive freediving competitions, including vertical blue in the Bahamas. In this role, he ensures the safety of free divers pushing their limits at extreme depths, earning the respect and admiration of the global free diving community.
prize
- Irish national free diving record:
- Constant weight: 81 meters
- Free immersion: 74 meters
- Constant weight without fins: 52 meters
Net worth
At the time of his death in 2017Stephen Keenan’s net worth is estimated at approx 4 million USD. His income comes from freediving school, Free diver Dahaband his work as a safety diver at international freediving events.
Death
ABOVE July 22, 2017Stephen Keenan tragically lost his life in Dahab Blue Holea site notorious for its dangers. While acting as a safety diver for Alessia Zecchini during a challenging attempt to navigate the underwater dome, Alessia became disoriented. Stephen guided her back on track, ensuring her safety. However, during the ascent, he lost power in shallow water and could not be revived when he surfaced.
His death had a profound impact on the freediving community and brought global attention to the risks of the sport, as detailed in this section. Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath.
Social Media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: Not applicable
