Jake Koehler, known as DALLMYD, during one of his daring underwater treasure hunts – a passion that defined his life and tragically led to his end.
In a heartbreaking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the adventure and diving communities, renowned YouTube sensation Jake Koehler, better known to his 13 million subscribers as DALLMYD, met a gruesome fate during what was meant to be another thrilling deep-sea expedition off the Florida coast. The 33-year-old treasure hunter, celebrated for his daring dives into murky waters to recover lost valuables and uncover hidden gems, was brutally attacked and killed by a massive great white shark on October 10, 2025. Rescue teams, scrambling against time and tide, later recovered his shredded remains in a discovery that has left fans, family, and fellow explorers in profound grief.
Koehler’s journey from a small-town enthusiast to a global icon was nothing short of inspirational. Born on December 18, 1991, in Georgia, Jake discovered his love for the underwater world early on. Starting with simple river dives in his home state, he built a YouTube empire by documenting his finds – from iPhones and GoPros to wedding rings and historical artifacts. His channel, DALLMYD, amassed over 13 million subscribers, with videos racking up billions of views. Jake wasn’t just a diver; he was a storyteller, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with heartfelt moments of returning lost items to their owners. “I’m Jake, also known as Scuba Jake,” he’d often say in his intros, flashing that infectious smile that made viewers feel like they were right there with him, metal detector in hand, plunging into the unknown.
But the ocean, as Jake himself often acknowledged, is unforgiving. Florida’s waters, notorious for their high incidence of shark encounters, have long been a hotspot for such tragedies. With more unprovoked shark attacks than anywhere else in the world – over 277 recorded in Volusia County alone since 1642 – the region draws thrill-seekers like Koehler, who frequently dived near New Smyrna Beach and the Florida Keys. Great whites, though less common than bull or tiger sharks in these coastal areas, do migrate through, especially in deeper offshore zones where Koehler was exploring a rumored shipwreck site about 20 miles out.
On that fateful morning, Koehler set out with a small crew from a marina near Miami. Equipped with his signature scuba gear, a GoPro camera mounted on his helmet, and a metal detector, he was on the hunt for treasures from a 19th-century vessel said to have sunk during a hurricane. Witnesses from the boat described the day as idyllic – clear skies, calm seas – until it turned into a nightmare. “Jake was down about 60 feet, signaling he’d found something big,” recounted his dive partner, who wished to remain anonymous amid the trauma. “Then, out of nowhere, this shadow loomed. It was huge, at least 15 feet long. The shark struck without warning.”
The attack, as pieced together from partial footage recovered from Koehler’s camera and eyewitness accounts, was swift and savage. The great white, drawn perhaps by the vibrations of the metal detector or the glint of unearthed artifacts, lunged from the depths. Koehler, experienced as he was, tried to fend it off with his spear gun – a tool he carried for protection in shark-prone waters. But the predator’s jaws clamped down with terrifying force, tearing into his leg and torso. Blood clouded the water instantly, turning the serene blue into a churning red frenzy. “It was like something out of a horror movie,” the partner said, voice breaking. “He fought so hard, but the shark just… tore him apart.”Panic ensued on the surface. The crew radioed for help, but the remote location delayed response. Koehler’s last moments, captured in grainy underwater video, show his desperate struggle – bubbles exploding from his regulator, limbs flailing as the shark circled for a second strike. Experts later analyzed the footage, noting the shark’s aggressive behavior, possibly triggered by territorial instincts or mistaken identity. Florida’s shark attack statistics paint a grim picture: in 2025 alone, ten bites were reported, three provoked, with Volusia County leading the tally. While fatalities are rare – the last great white-related death in Florida waters was over a decade ago – Koehler’s case underscores the risks divers face in these apex predator domains.
– a dramatic simulation or stock footage depicting a shark attack on a diver, capturing the sudden strike, blood in the water, and chaotic recovery efforts to heighten the tragic narrative.]
As hours ticked by, hope faded. Rescue divers from the U.S. Coast Guard and local marine patrols arrived, descending into the bloodied depths. What they found was devastating: shredded remnants of Koehler’s wetsuit, scattered gear, and partial remains entangled in the wreckage he had been exploring. “It was heartbreaking,” said Lt. Maria Gonzalez of the Coast Guard. “We retrieved what we could, but the scene was… mangled beyond words.” The recovery operation, lasting into the evening, involved sonar scans and careful extraction to preserve dignity amid the horror. Koehler’s body, or what remained, was transported to shore under a shroud of silence, met by grieving family members who had rushed from Georgia.
The news spread like wildfire across social media, where Koehler’s fans – a loyal community he called his “dive family” – expressed disbelief and sorrow. Tributes poured in: “Jake inspired me to face my fears and explore the world,” wrote one subscriber. Another shared, “He gave back so much – returning lost treasures, cleaning rivers. This loss is unbearable.” Celebrities and fellow influencers, including those from the diving world like Ocean Ramsey, offered condolences, highlighting Koehler’s role in promoting ocean conservation. Ironically, Jake had survived close calls before – narrowly escaping the ill-fated Titan submersible expedition in 2023, where he was invited but declined. “I could have been on that,” he tearfully recalled in a video, emphasizing life’s fragility.
Koehler’s legacy extends beyond his videos. Through his brand, he founded initiatives to clean waterways, donating proceeds from merchandise to environmental causes. His Rivertreasure.com site sold gear inspired by his hunts, amassing over 20 million followers across platforms. But his death raises poignant questions about the dangers of adventure content creation. “Jake pushed boundaries to entertain and educate,” said a marine biologist familiar with his work. “But sharks aren’t villains; they’re part of the ecosystem. This tragedy reminds us to respect the wild.”
As investigations continue – with autopsy results pending to confirm the shark species – the diving community mourns a pioneer lost too soon. Koehler leaves behind a family, including his parents and siblings, who remember him as the boy who dreamed of buried fortunes. In his final video, posted just days before, he beamed: “The ocean holds secrets, and I’m going to find them.” Tragically, one secret proved fatal.
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gettyimages.com
A chilling illustration of a great white shark in attack mode, symbolizing the raw power of nature that claimed Jake Koehler’s life.
Jake Koehler, the beloved YouTube star known as DALLMYD, tragically lost his life in a brutal great white shark attack during a deep-sea dive off the Florida coast on October 10, 2025. While his adventurous spirit captivated millions, this incident highlights the inherent risks of underwater exploration in shark-infested waters. Research indicates Florida leads globally in shark attacks, with great whites occasionally involved, though bull sharks are more common culprits.
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