EXHIBIT 23.1




                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
Everest Reinsurance Holdings,  Inc. on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-1972 and File No.
333-05771) of our report dated February 17, 1999 except for Note 14, as to which
the  date  is  March  11,  1999,  on our  audit  of the  consolidated  financial
statements and financial statement  schedules of Everest  Reinsurance  Holdings,
Inc.  as of  December  31,  1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the
period ended  December 31, 1998,  which report is included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.





PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
March 23, 1999