Okaz/Saudi Gazette MADINAH — The mother of Rayyan Al-Atyani, a professional diver who died recently while volunteering in a search operation with the Al-Salam team in Al-Hayer valley, did not realize when she picked up her son's phone call on the day of the accident that killed him that this was the last time she would be talking to her son. Rayyan said goodbye to his mother before he went to Al-Hayer valley to join the search for a missing child. He did not tell his mother that he was on a volunteer search mission. It was after Maghreb prayer that Rayyan went to the location after he received a phone call to join the search team, according to his brother Rami who spoke to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Rami added that his brother was a certified diver and had received many training certificates. He participated in search operations several times in the past saving the lives of people in the sea, both inside the Kingdom and outside. He volunteered in many missions and participated in humanitarian work for number of charity organizations. He used to send to his mother messages informing her that he was on a volunteer mission and ask for her blessings. "Rayyan was a hardworking person. He studied in the technical college in Riyadh, away from his home in Jeddah and graduated in mechanical engineering. He was employed in the motor vehicle periodic inspection center in Al-Kharj. He was loved by his friends and colleagues," Rami said. "We received the news of his death from his friends who also volunteer in Al-Salam team. His body was sent to us in Jeddah where he was buried after funeral prayers. I wish the concerned authorities would explain to us the cause of drowning because my brother was an experienced diver and talented swimmer. He participated in a number of training exercises with the Civil Defense and played the role of the drowning victim in mock drills. I never thought that one day he would drown in reality. I wish if the related authorities would honor my brother for his courage and good work," Rami said. Rania, the victim's sister, said her brother used to contact them every morning. They were getting ready to find a bride for him after he got employed. She said Rayyan was loved by all and the news of his death was shocking.
