Died February 4, 2012. Born December 29, 1952.

American documentary filmmaker specialising in underwater cinematography. His credits include Life in the Freezer, Trials of Life, The Blue Planet and Pacific Abyss. On February 4, 2012, he was killed in a helicopter crash near the town of Nowra in Australia. The crash also claimed the life of Australian filmmaker Andrew Wight.

Mr deGruy had won multiple BAFTA and Emmy awards for cinematography. He was a specialist in underwater cinematography. Four days before the crash Mr deGruy, who came from Santa Barbara, tweeted: "Been in Australia 2 weeks, one to go then off to PNG. Love this place especially Sydney on Australia Day."

The Deep Sea News said today of Mr deGruy's death: "It's a great loss for the world whenever someone passes who has devoted their career to conveying to the public the beauty and wonder of the oceans. deGruy's website states that, in addition to filmmaking, he had become a speaker and had interviewed James Cameron, Sir David Attenborough and Al Gore on stage.

Mike deGruy is survived by his wife Mimi, his son Max and his daughter Frances.