Bonnie Cotier RIP

Bonnie was diving yesterday in Clydach Gorge, Wales. Around 2pm on 23 April, her two partners surfaced, and realized Bonnie was still in the cave. One searched for her until he had to exit due to gas, upon surfacing he sent for fresh tanks, and recovered Bonnie. I understand that she did have some line around her, and that both her tanks were empty.

Bonnie, and her husband Steve were from VA, and made several trips a year down here. They had recently moved to England, because Steve was stationed there. Her screen name was "goldendog".

I for one, will miss her greatly. She was such a fun person, and loved life. Here is a link to her blog: http://cavedivinggirl.blogspot.com/

This is very sad... How do you not realize your third is missing until you surface, though?

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Originally Posted by pink arrows

This is very sad... How do you not realize your third is missing until you surface, though?

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When we know more, we will open an analysis thread, but some caves in Wales don't have great visibility.

This is ***SO*** sad. Bonnie was awesome. What a bright spot in the world. Steve's quiet, but a great guy, too. I am *so* sorry for her loss. On Easter. Ian Rolland died a few days before Easter, too. I'm beginning to dislike this holiday.

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Originally Posted by Squirrel Girl

..Ian Rolland died a few days before Easter, too...

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All the great ones do.

I am so bummed out about this. You'd think I'd have lost enough friends to know what to think/say/feel/do. But no! This SUCKS. Bonnie, it was great having you as a friend! You brought something special to the world.

Another sad lost. I did not know her but I do send my prayers to those left behind.

My condolences to her family. It is indeed sad news.

Looking at her blog, I realize that I met Bonnie and Steve and had a nice chat at Peacock a couple of years ago. Very nice folks - a tragedy. My condolences to her family and friends.

Mike

sad news...

Do you know which cave?

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Originally Posted by apitkin

Do you know which cave?

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Yes, Clydach Gorge, in Wales (UK).

Edit, there are many caves in the gorge. They were diving in Pwll y Cwm.

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Originally Posted by FW

Yes, Clydach Gorge, in Wales (UK).

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There apparently are a lot of caves in the Gorge:
http://www.ogof.org.uk/Clydach_Gorge_map.html

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Originally Posted by Squirrel Girl

There apparently are a lot of caves in the Gorge:
http://www.ogof.org.uk/Clydach_Gorge_map.html

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Well then the answer is: "No, I don't know which cave".

Edit: I have since found the name: Pwll y Cwm

Wow - This is really sad news. They used to stay at Cathy's quite a bit before they moved to Europe. We would sit around the campfire and talk politics.

They always brought a puppie or young dog with them, the dogs were always to be a "working dog" and they were helping in the early training stages of these dogs.

Holy cow, what sad, sad news :(

Very sad

I remember her & him...very sad ...

:(

Very sad. My sincere condolences to her friends and family.

Very sad news. My condolences to her husband, family, and friends.

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Originally Posted by FW

Well then the answer is: "No, I don't know which cave".

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Well I found out the name, but not much else. The name of the cave is Pwll y Cwm. (don't ask ME how to pronounce it.

That's sad news. I never met her but I hate to hear of another cave diver being lost.

I'm really sorry to hear about this :(

I have a little new information, so I will start a thread under Accident analysis.

Yes, I met Bonnie and Steve a few times at Cathy's place...they alway's had one of the working dogs she was raising in tow. I think she 'failed' one of them so she wouldn't have to give him up. I believe they previously lived in the Tampa Bay area. A sad lost for us all. My sincere condolences to go out to her family and friends.

Dave

Saddened to hear of this. Here was her last Twitter post "Finishing up work, packing car and driving to Wales for a long weekend of caving and diving w/ Martyn Farr. Heard conditions are GREAT!" from Thursday. Rest in Peace Bonnie!

Sorry to hear about another fatality. Rest in peace sis.

I just heard the news, and can't believe it? To Steve her husband, family and those of you who knew her, our prayers and hearts go out to you, in support. Please everyone, slow down and take inventory. Your team needs you.....

Very sad news...only introduced but seemed like someone it would be great to know. Bill

The memorial service for Bonnie will be held on the 15th of May at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church at 2 pm. Metropolitan Memorial is at 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington DC.