Steve Keegan was an Irish freediving instructor and safety diver who died in 2017 while saving the life of his wife, Alessia Zecchini, a world-renowned Italian freediver. He was 33 years old at the time of his death.
Who Was Stephen Keegan?
Steve Keegan, also known as Stephen Keenan, was a passionate adventurer and explorer. Growing up near the West Coast of Ireland, his love for nature and traveling began at a young age. Inspired by a David Attenborough documentary, Steve’s curiosity about the world around him led him to snorkeling and collecting National Geographic magazines with his father. His insatiable desire to understand the natural world and explore different environments marked the beginning of his journey as a world explorer
Early Life and Career
Steve Keegan was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in a family of divers. He developed a passion for the underwater world when he was a child and became a certified scuba diver at the age of 15. He later moved to Egypt, where he worked as a diving instructor and co-founded the freediving school and center, Dahab Freedivers.

He was also a skilled safety diver who assisted many freedivers in their attempts to break world records. He was known for his professionalism, courage, and generosity in the diving community.
Career in Free Diving
Steve Keegan carved a niche for himself in the world of freediving as an accomplished safety diver. He was well-known and respected for his expertise and skills in ensuring the safety of freedivers during their challenging dives. Trained and experienced, he was trusted to provide crucial assistance to divers, especially during deep dives and challenging conditions.
Relationship with Alessia Zecchini
Steve Keegan met Alessia Zecchini, an Italian freediver who set world and Italian records in freediving, in 2016 at a competition in Greece. They fell in love and got married in 2017. They shared a common passion for freediving and traveled together to various diving spots around the world.

Alessia Zecchini was born on June 30, 1992, in Rome, Italy. She started freediving at the age of 13 and became part of the Italian national team in 2012. She has won numerous medals and titles at the World and European Championships and currently holds the depth record with her −113 meters (−371 ft) in constant weight (monofin), achieved in 2019.
What Happened to Steve Keegan?
Steve Keegan died in 2017 while saving the life of his wife, Alessia Zecchini, a world-renowned Italian freediver. He was her safety diver and he left the rope to guide her back to the surface when she swam away from it. He pushed her ahead of himself while they were both unconscious due to a lack of oxygen. He died as a hero, sacrificing his life to save his wife.
Death Cause
On July 22, 2017, Steve Keegan and Alessia Zecchini were participating in a training session at the Blue Hole, a famous diving spot in the Red Sea off the coast of Dahab, Egypt. Alessia was attempting to dive to −100 m (−328 ft) using free immersion (pulling herself down and up along a rope), but she lost her orientation and swam away from the rope.

Steve Keegan, who was her safety diver, noticed her mistake and left the rope to guide her back to the surface. He pushed her ahead of himself while they were both unconscious due to a lack of oxygen. They were both rescued by other divers, but while Alessia recovered after being positioned on her back by Steve, he remained face down and could not be revived. He died as a hero, sacrificing his life to save his wife.
Netflix Documentary
The tragic story of Steve Keegan and Alessia Zecchini is featured in a Netflix documentary titled The Deepest Breath, directed by Laura McGann. The film follows Alessia’s journey as a freediver and her relationship with Steve, as well as the aftermath of his death and how she coped with the loss.

The documentary also explores the sport of freediving, its risks and rewards, and its impact on the human body and mind. The Deepest Breath was released on Netflix on July 19, 2023.
Net Worth
Steve Keegan’s net worth is not publicly known, but he was likely earning a decent income from his work as a diving instructor and safety diver. He also co-owned a freediving school and center in Egypt.
Alessia Zecchini’s net worth is also not disclosed, but she is one of the most successful and famous freedivers in the world. She has won many prizes and sponsorships for her achievements in the sport.
Family
Steve Keegan’s family includes his parents, siblings, and relatives who live in Ireland. They were devastated by his death and paid tribute to him on social media.
Alessia Zecchini’s family consists of her parents and siblings who live in Italy. They have supported her throughout her career and mourned with her after Steve’s death.
BIO/WIKI
Name | Steve Keegan |
Birth Date | 1984 |
Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
Death Date | July 22, 2017 |
Death Place | Dahab, Egypt |
Death Cause | Drowning |
Age | 33 (at the time of death) |
Nationality | Irish |
Occupation | Diving instructor, safety diver |
Spouse | Alessia Zecchini (m. 2017) |
Homepage | Dreshare.com |
Facts About Steve Keegan
- He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in a family of divers.
- He became a certified scuba diver at the age of 15 and later moved to Egypt, where he worked as a diving instructor and co-founded the freediving school and center, Dahab Freedivers.
- He met Alessia Zecchini, an Italian freediver who set world and Italian records in freediving, in 2016 at a competition in Greece. They fell in love and got married in 2017.
- He was a skilled safety diver who assisted many freedivers in their attempts to break world records. He was known for his professionalism, courage, and generosity in the diving community.
- Steve died on July 22, 2017, while saving the life of his wife, Alessia Zecchini, who was attempting to dive to −100 m (−328 ft) using a free immersion (pulling herself down and up along a rope), but she lost her orientation and swam away from the rope.
- He left the rope to guide her back to the surface and pushed her ahead of himself while they were both unconscious due to lack of oxygen. He died as a hero, sacrificing his life to save his wife’s.
- Steve was 33 years old at the time of his death.
- His death was featured in a Netflix documentary titled The Deepest Breath, directed by Laura McGann, which follows Alessia’s journey as a freediver and her relationship with Steve, as well as the aftermath of his death and how she coped with the loss.
- Steve’s family includes his parents, siblings, and relatives who live in Ireland. They were devastated by his death and paid tribute to him on social media.
- He is remembered as a legend and an inspiration by the freediving community.
No Responses Yet