Diveheart

Dive into the Legacy of Gabe Spataro with Diveheart’s New Documentary

Natural Awakenings Chicago | December 2024

Diveheart has released a compelling new documentary, The Legend of the Statue, now available on YouTube. This film, directed by award-winning filmmaker David Marsh, chronicles the life of Gabe Spataro, a Korean War veteran and adaptive diver whose deep connection to the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue spanned decades.

Founded in 2001 and based in Downers Grove, Diveheart is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all abilities through the transformative experience of scuba diving, helping them build confidence and independence.

In the 1960s, Spataro played a pivotal role in transporting the 800-pound bronze Christ of the Deep statue from Italy to Key Largo, Florida. Located under the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, the statue is one of the most viewed underwater objects in the world. Despite losing his sight later in life, Spataro rediscovered his passion for diving through Diveheart’s adaptive programs, reconnecting with the underwater marvel he helped introduce.

The Legend of the Statue film celebrates Spataro’s adventurous spirit and the healing power of water. Diveheart invites viewers to explore this inspiring journey on their YouTube channel.

For more information and to watch, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=VagP-d-VYbU and Diveheart.org