Russian freediver Andrey Matveenko has died, Cetma Composites, for whom Matveenko served as a brand ambassador, announced today.
The company said on Instagram:
“Andrey was not only a valuable member of our team, but also someone who inspired others with his passion, expertise, and humanity. His enthusiasm, dedication and positive energy left a lasting mark on all of us.
“In this moment of sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.
“His presence will always remain part of our story.
“Thank you, Andrey, for everything you shared with us.”
The 45-year-old had suffered a serious medical emergency at the CMAS World Championships last September in Lefkada, Greece.
During official training on September 6th, Matveenko attempted a dive to approximately 126.5m (415ft). He reached the surface but suffered a blackout just meters from completing the dive. Safety divers intervened, and after a rescue breath, he briefly regained responsiveness. Moments later, however, his condition deteriorated, and he presented with neurological symptoms, including paralysis on the right side of his body. He spent the next months recovering from those symptoms.
The incident led to visible protests. Talya Davidoff, captain of Team USA, formally withdrew from the competition, citing concerns about how the medical emergency was handled.
In an Instagram post at the time, Davidoff wrote:
“It is with great sadness that I announce my withdrawal from the CMAS World Championships as well as my retirement from CMAS in general.
“I will at a later stage go public with how I have been treated by them with regard to my personal health.
“But the mishandling of the top athlete Andrey Matveenko is not something I can standby and do nothing about.
“The safety protocols at the world championships are simply inadequate and CMAS has not correctly addressed this or taken responsibility for it. I know other athletes feel the same and those who have the ability are backing out.
“It has been the athletes who have ensured his ongoing safety and treatment.”
Five other athletes also withdrew from the competition.
Not long after, CMAS issued a statement regarding Matveenko’s incident, which partially reads:
“From the moment a medical incident is transferred to the hospital, its treatment depends solely on the doctors, the rules of medical science, and the regulations of the national health system.
“The local organizing committee and CMAS fully respected the established safety protocol until the athlete was transferred to the Greek national system.
“Therefore, the decision to transport a person by ambulance or helicopter and the timing of this transport are up to the medical staff of the health establishment handling the incident…
“We acknowledge and appreciate the role of the media and never refuse to provide explanations about any incident that may occur. However, given that CMAS is an international sports institution, we are reluctant to make ‘off-the-cuff comments’ on facts before having detailed knowledge of what actually happened, allowing CMAS to take an official position. Nevertheless, and as part of its primary obligations when an incident occurs, CMAS is always close to the athletes concerned, the teams, and the officials, and cooperates as much as possible to ensure the incident is resolved well. Meanwhile, our collaborators examine the case, conduct an investigation, and then submit a detailed report to CMAS so that it can take the necessary measures.”
Despite Matveenko’s emergency along with another incident the same day involving Davide Carrera, CMAS pressed ahead with the competition schedule.
CMAS said in a statement issued today:
“CMAS has received with profound consternation the news of Andrey Matveenko’s sudden passing.
“While we await further updates on the circumstances, we wish to extend our most sincere and respectful solidarity to Andrew’s family, conveying our deepest and most solemn condolences for this unexpected and grievous loss. May he rest in peace.”
In a separate statement, AIDA said:
“AIDA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Andrey Matveenko.
“Born in 1980, Andrey had been a member of the AIDA community since 2010, taking part in numerous competitions and sharing his quiet dedication to the sport.
“Throughout his career, he achieved multiple podium finishes and was regarded with great respect by athletes across many disciplines.
“Those who knew him describe him as kind, humble, and always reaching out to connect with warmth and sincerity.
“Andrey’s gentle presence and love for freediving will be remembered by everyone who met him in and around the water.
“We invite the community to join us in saying goodbye to him.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who shared the ocean with Andrey.”