From the anatomical analysis of Dick’s skeleton it was determined that he was between 18 and 22 when he died.

Marine archaeologists found Dick’s bones in the wreck near the surgeon’s cabin; along with Tom’s skeleton.  This may indicate that Dick  (and Tom) were the men who died as a result of the two accidents described by surgeon Hamilton that happened hours before the ship sank.  This indication is based on the assumption that the two dead men were immediately taken down to the surgeon, who pronounced them dead and ordered them to be prepared for burial at sea after the ship had been saved.But the ship sank before the burials could be carried out. The two men were not named by Hamilton; but were included in the tally of the 31 crew who died as a result of the wrecking.