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Santa Barbara Cinematographer Mike DeGruy Killed in Helicopter Crash

Written by KEY News Staff

Story Created: Feb 4, 2012 at 1:08 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2012 at 8:28 PM PDT

Filmmaker, underwater cinematographer and adventurist Mike DeGruy died in a helicopter crash off the coast of Australia just before 4 p.m. local time on Friday. DeGruy was scouting locations for an upcoming project.

DeGruy traveled the world creating films and documenting current events. He appeared on KEYT many times sharing his projects and adventures. He talked with KEYT about his three-week trip to the Gulf of Mexico following the BP oil spill.

DeGruy's work has been honored many times over the years and featured on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

He survived many close calls over the years including a shark attack.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Director Roger Durling says DeGruy was one of his best friends. Durling tells KEY News that DeGruy made many contributions to the film festival over the years including the idea to create the "Nature Series," a project where the festival brings 5000 kids to the Arlington Theater every year to teach them about film and nature. Durling says, "If there is any consolation, is that he moved on doing what he loved doing and he will be greatly missed."

DeGruy leaves behind his wife, Mimi, and two children.

We will have more about Mike DeGruy and his life and career on KEY News tonight at 6 & 11.
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