In the film "The Abyss" who was Capt. Pierce Oliver Kidd Brewer?

Question

Why was the film dedicated to him?

Answer 1

He played Lew Finley in the film, was a well-known diver in the southeast US.  Did not die in a diving accident, he shot himself in the head in May 1990, in his home in Raleigh, NC during a prolonged period of depression over financial reversals. A large crowd attended his memorial service, including The Abyss actors Ed Harris, Todd Graff, and John Bedford Lloyd. The Abyss director James Cameron arrived later in the day and paid his respects to the family privately.  The film dedication was added for the special edition release.