Beloved Ocean County firefighter, rescue worker dies during diving trip

TOMS RIVER — Fire and rescue squads all around Ocean County are remembering fire fighter David Ley, who died during a diving trip in Florida on Thanksgiving.

Plumsted Township Fire District No. 1 announced the death of the 27-year-old per-diem firefighter/EMT on its Facebook page.

"He was a great friend and co-worker to many, always happy and willing to help out. He will be greatly missed," read the announcement.

Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association No 89 on its Facebook page said that while he was not a member "he was a true supporter of FMBA #89 and for that we will NEVER forget the smiles and laughs David gave us every shift he worked. He was a true brother to emergency services and his name will live in legend in our station walls."

His father, Bernard Ley, thanked all for their condolences over the past few days on his own Facebook page.

"He was a wonderful young man and we shall miss him terribly. My son led such a full life and the fact that he was loved by SO many people is an immense consolation at this dreadful time," the elder Ley wrote.

The Palm Beat Post reported Ley, a Toms River resident, was pulled out of the water four miles off the coast of Jupiter, Florida on Thursday morning after getting sick during the dive.

NIcknamed "English Dave" because he was born in England, he was also a member of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company and the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue.

"He had a zest for life and nothing was going to stop him from helping his friends family and community. We will miss him dearly but we also must be thankful that we got the chance be around his infectious good nature," Assistant Chief Richard Zeller wrote  on his Facebook page.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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