AUGUSTA, GA — Aggressor Adventures announces with profound sadness the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Bryant Brown, who entered into rest on March 3, 2026, at the age of 65, following a private 1.5-year battle with bile duct cancer. He was surrounded by family and close friends in his final days.
An Air Force veteran, world traveler, devoted family man, and passionate explorer, Brown was more than the leader of Aggressor Adventures. He was the heart and driving force behind the company and a champion of the spirit of exploration that defines the Aggressor brand.
Born January 30, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida, Wayne was the son of Jennings Bryant Brown and Ruby Jane Brown. Growing up on a small farm in rural Florida, he developed an early love for exploration, hard work, and new experiences—traits that would shape the course of his life.
Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1981, he met the love of his life, Dana Dunaway. The two were married on June 20, 1981, beginning a partnership that would span more than four decades. Shortly after their marriage, Wayne and Dana moved to Germany, where he was stationed for four years.
Following his military service, Wayne began a career with Taco Bell Corporate and later became a highly successful Taco Bell franchisee, building and operating more than 60 restaurants between 1989 and 2006.
Wayne’s love for scuba diving began as a way to spend time with his children, but it quickly grew into a lifelong passion. In 2007, after first experiencing the Aggressor Fleet as a customer, he purchased the company and began expanding its reach and vision. Under his leadership, the company evolved into Aggressor Adventures, a global adventure travel brand offering world-class liveaboard dive expeditions, river cruises, and Signature Lodges in destinations across the globe. Brown’s impact on the scuba diving and adventure travel industries will be felt for generations. Under his leadership, Aggressor Adventures earned numerous accolades, including recognition on the Inc. 5000 list, five Telly Awards, multiple Magellan Awards, and repeated honors in SCUBA Diving Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards
A passionate diver himself, Wayne achieved several prestigious distinctions including Platinum Pro 5000 Diver, Nikon Professional Services Member, SSI Instructor Trainer, and PADI Staff Instructor. His enthusiasm for exploring the world’s oceans and wild places helped inspire thousands of travelers to embark on adventures of their own.
Despite his many professional accomplishments and global travels, Wayne’s greatest pride and joy was his family. When he was not traveling or diving, he was happiest at home in Augusta, Georgia, spending time with those he loved most—especially his grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Papa,” a title he cherished above all others.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dana Dunaway Brown; his son, Justin Brown and his wife Ashley J. Brown and their two children; and his daughter, Ashley Brown Watkins and her husband Cole Watkins and their two children.
Wayne will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected leader, and passionate adventurer whose love for life inspired everyone around him. His legacy of exploration, leadership, and dedication to sharing the world’s most extraordinary places will continue to inspire the Aggressor team and travelers worldwide.
In keeping with Wayne’s wish that “the show must go on,” the team at Aggressor Adventures remains committed to carrying forward the vision he built by delivering exceptional service and unforgettable adventures to guests around the world.
Watch a memorial video at www.aggressor.tv.
About Aggressor Adventures Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers live-aboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. To learn more, visit Aggressor’s Media Hub, listen to its podcast series, view videos on Aggressor.TV and browse the new catalog. Worldwide locations are Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Komodo, Indonesia, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Red Sea, Roatan, Honduras, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turks & Caicos. Reservations can be made online at aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
