Thai Cave Rescue: Former Navy SEAL who died while helping save the boys remembered as hero

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Although the rescue is over, the extreme difficulty of the mission was illustrated by the death of a former Thai navy SEAL. Natalie Pang has more about Sergeant Major Saman Gunan's heroic act to save the boys.

SERGEANT MAJOR SAMAN GUNAN FORMER THAI NAVY SEAL "I'm going to support this mission. See you at Tham Luang in Chiang Rai. May good luck be on our side to bring the boys back home."

In this self-shot video from July 1st, Gunan is getting ready to board a plane to join a team assisting in the rescue operations.

He died less than a week later, on the morning of July 6th, from lack of oxygen. He had taken part in an overnight mission to place oxygen canisters underwater along the route to the boys.

Before working at one of Bangkok's main airports, Gunan had been a member of the Thai military. He resigned in 2006. Thai Navy Seals said he was a triathlete and a "skilled and able diver".

His fatal accident underlined the huge risks involved in the gargantuan effort to get the boys out. Gunan's father said he was very proud of his son.

WICHAI KUNAN FATHER OF DECEASED SEAL DIVER "I only had one child. I was extremely proud of him and his deeds. But seeing him end up like that, I'm really upset. I'm glad he always did volunteering work."

Gunan's body was flown back to his hometown, with many paying tribute to the hero. His social media posts showed a person who was active in cycling, races and hiking. His wife also turned to social media to express her heartbreak over the loss of her husband.

Gunan was one of about 80 Thai Navy SEALs, who made up the bulk of the divers in the rescue effort. Natalie Pang, CGTN.