Audrey Mestre's Fatal World Record Freedive | Disaster Strikes E206

In this episode of Disaster Strikes on the Crux Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic story of Audrey Mestre, a world record freediver whose attempt ended in her untimely death on October 12, 2002. Audrey, a talented marine biologist and wife of famed freediver Francisco 'Pipin' Ferreras, attempted a No Limits dive to 171 meters off the coast of the Dominican Republic but never resurfaced alive. The episode delves into the mysteries surrounding her death, the possible negligence involved, and the ongoing controversy that has gripped the freediving community for over two decades. Featuring insights into the unique physiological demands of freediving, the mechanics of No Limits dives, and the subsequent safety improvements inspired by this tragedy, the discussion also touches on the fictionalized representation of her death in the 2022 Netflix film 'No Limit' and Pipin's subsequent defamation lawsuit. Audrey Mestre's story is a poignant reminder of the thin line between triumph and tragedy in extreme sports

Primary References

Books:

1. Serra, Carlos. The Last Attempt: The True Story of Freediving Champion Audrey Mestre and the Mystery of Her Death. Xlibris Corp, 2006. ISBN: 9781425738396.
   • Critical investigation by Pipin's former business partner alleging negligence

1. Ferreras, Francisco "Pipin" with Linda Robertson. The Dive: A Story of Love and Obsession. HarperCollins, 2004. ISBN: 9780060779528.

1. • Pipin's account of his relationship with Audrey and her death

Magazine Articles:

1. Smith, Gary. "Rapture of the Deep." Sports Illustrated, June 16, 2003.

1. • Comprehensive feature article on Audrey and Pipin's story

Documentaries:

1. Ellwood, Alison (Director). No Limits. ESPN Films, Nine for IX series, July 23, 2013.

1. • Documentary examining the circumstances of Audrey's death

1. Rosenthal, David M. (Director). No Limit (Sous Emprise). Netflix, September 2022.

1. • Fictionalized French film inspired by the story (subject of Pipin's lawsuit)

Official Reports:

1. International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) / McCoy Report. Investigation into Audrey Mestre's death, October 2002.

1. • Official investigation concluding accidental death

1. Dominican Republic Autopsy Report. Dr. Danyd Moquete Mendez and Dr. Ana Falete Mercedes, October 13, 2002.

1. • Official cause of death: asphyxia by submersion (accidental)

Legal Documents:

1. Ferreras v. Netflix et al. Superior Court of LA County, California, filed March 29, 2023; dismissed April 9, 2024.

1. • Defamation lawsuit regarding the Netflix film No Limit

Additional Sources:

1. Women Divers Hall of Fame. Audrey Mestre posthumous induction, 2002.
2. DeeperBlue.com - Various articles and community forums on Audrey's death and the freediving community's response

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