Previously, we've discussed Matthew Johnston, a quadriplegic suffering from muscular dystrophy. Capable only of moving his thumbs, 29-year-old Johnston has been dreaming of diving since he was only 6. Over the past few months, Jere Thorne -- a diver known for his "cutting-edge" technology and who was supporting Johnston in his quest to dive in the Keys this November -- died this weekend in Louise Pit, a mine near Crosby, Minnesota. Evidently, the high-tech equipment he had been developing and testing for Johnston -- which combined a rebreather and a ventilator -- failed. Considering Thorne is "irreplaceable" for use of the technology, it appears the system will be set aside, and Johnston will have to use more conventional dive gear for his upcoming trip.

According to Johnston, Thorne had been learning how to teach handicapped people to dive, making him "a hero to me in many ways." Johnston plans to move forward with his quest, in spite of this sad setback. Let's give Thorne a posthumous Hero of the Week award. And a hearty Good Luck to Johnston!