World | Thai cave rescue He Participated in a Famous Rescue. It Killed Him Thai Navy Seal participated in the 2018 operation at Tham Luang cave By Kate Seamons Posted Dec 28, 2019 7:00 AM CST Copied A Thai navy SEAL who was part of the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from the flooded cave has died of a blood infection contracted during the risky operation. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa, File) A Thai Navy Seal who helped in the high-profile rescue of 12 young soccer players and their coach from a cave in Thailand in 2018 has died—and it was his participation in the 17-day operation that killed him. The BBC reports Petty Officer Beirut Pakbara contracted an infection while participating in the rescue at Tham Luang cave. The AP cites his Facebook page in reporting that Pakbara had been undergoing treatment but that his condition deteriorated after the infection spread to his blood. He's the second navy diver to lose his life in connection with the operation; Lt. Cmdr. Saman Gunan died after losing consciousness while delivering oxygen tanks. Read These Next Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error