A dive boat captain and shipwreck explorer lost his life last week during a deep-sea diving expedition off Massachusetts’s coast, according to his diving company on Friday.

Joe Mazraani, aged 48, was diving roughly 200 miles offshore at the eastern edge of Georges Bank to investigate a shipwreck his team referred to as the Big Engine Steamer when he passed on July 29, reported Atlantic Wreck Salvage in a Facebook statement.

The company indicated there was no cause to suspect diver error or equipment malfunction, suggesting that all signs indicated a medical emergency. An investigation into Mazraani’s death is still underway, they said.

Jennifer Sellitti, his wife and business partner, described Joe Mazraani as “larger than life,” recounting him as “kind, compassionate, and generous.” She added that he was a mentor, student, friend, brother, son, and partner who set high standards whether on the D/V Tenacious or in his legal work, though sometimes gruffly, but always leading by example.

In his role as a defense attorney, Mazraani played a critical part in the 2024 release of Timothy Puskas, who had been wrongly convicted of the murder of 22-year-old ex-Rutgers student William McCaw, having served 10 out of a 40-year sentence before his exoneration due to Mazraani’s efforts.

The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender posted a statement online in remembrance of Mazraani. 

The statement reflected, “Joe was larger than life: fearless, kind, and deeply committed to justice.” It extended condolences to the Public Defender and all of Mazraani’s loved ones.