On saturday I was notified that Ak troopers were at a families home in North Pole, Alaska due to father being in a boating accident on the Tanana River, and he was missing...
Wife and I were in Ocean City Md, drove home to Berryville that night, got on plane to travel here to alaska Sunday afternoon.
Seems so long ago, it has been a whirlwind.
He was on an airboat, they turned, were hit by a gust of wind into the bank headed downstream, nose of boat climbed, and boat swamped immediately... Driver tried climbing off to tie off on shore, but as he was going to front of boat, it hit something and threw him. He was washed on shore downstream, he never saw dad again. Boat was found upside down approximately a mile down stream.
Water is filled with silt, and temp is in the 30's, air temps are 20-30's with wind chills in the teens... Dad is 74...
Troopers have used boats, helicopter, dogs, sonar, dredge, just no luck in finding him. He could be 6 inches below and not be seen due to silt.
Access ways are starting to freeze, my not be accessible after this week.
Not having the body is a burden I could not have imagined. So much to do, but can't...
Greatest hope is that it was quick.
I know some of you personally, most have never met. I appreciate being able to share, and would ask for prayers for my family as they are navigating this path.
October 13, 2020, 11:00 AM
spunk639
Very sorry for your loss.
October 13, 2020, 11:05 AM
old rugged cross
You got it Dreamer. Prayers for your family. I am sorry to hear of his tragic accident.
Sounds like his was living an adventurous life. Which I greatly respect. May he Rip.
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
October 13, 2020, 11:06 AM
snoris
Really sorry to hear this sad news...rest in peace.
October 13, 2020, 11:07 AM
Ronin101
So sorry for your loss. I lost a BIL to an avalanche and know the heartache the family goes through.
Praying for your family and father's recovery!
October 13, 2020, 11:12 AM
Yanert98
Sorry for your loss.
---------------------------------- "If you are not prepared to use force to defend civilization, then be prepared to accept barbarism.." - Thomas Sowell
October 13, 2020, 11:19 AM
nhtagmember
very sad news
I do hope you get a recovery so you can lay him to rest
October 13, 2020, 11:42 AM
95flhr
My prayers to you and your family, I hope you get closure soon.
“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” ― Ronald Reagan
Retired old fart
October 13, 2020, 11:43 AM
HRK
Sorry to hear about your FIL...
October 13, 2020, 11:56 AM
thomjb
So very sorry, prayers for you and your family and that they recover your father in lsw....
Thom
"Tulta munille!" NRA Benefactor Life Member NRA Certified Instructor NRA Range Safety Officer SAF Life Member
October 13, 2020, 12:02 PM
Oz_Shadow
My sympathies to you and your family. Hoping he is found.
October 13, 2020, 12:10 PM
drill sgt
So sorry for the loss of the family member with thoughts and prayers headed you way. I am familar with the North Pole, Alaska area after spending a couple of years near the area. I can agree with the river conditions that you mentioned. ................... drill sgt.
October 13, 2020, 12:16 PM
Skins2881
My condolences, and prayers for your family.
Jesse
Sic Semper Tyrannis
October 13, 2020, 02:16 PM
BennerP220
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
October 13, 2020, 02:20 PM
StarTraveler
My condolences to you and your family. Saying a prayer for you all.
***
"Aut viam inveniam aut faciam (I will either find a way or make one)." -- Hannibal Barca
October 13, 2020, 02:31 PM
mcrimm
The suddeness of these types of death hit hard. I’m sorry for your loss. Mike
I'm sorry if I hurt you feelings when I called you stupid - I thought you already knew - Unknown ................................... When you have no future, you live in the past. " Sycamore Row" by John Grisham
October 13, 2020, 02:32 PM
cgode
Prayers for you and your family in these trying times....God bless
________________________ Those who trade liberty for security have neither
October 13, 2020, 03:02 PM
Sailor1911
Tragic. So sorry for your loss. Prayers up for the FIL.
Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark.
“If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016
October 13, 2020, 04:19 PM
Warhorse
Sorry to hear of your loss, condolences to you and your family.
____________________________ NRA Life Member, MGO Annual Member
October 13, 2020, 04:20 PM
Fla. Jim
God’s Peace and comfort in this trying time. I hope he was doing what he loved and went quickly. As someone who had accepted he was drowning and there was no way out. I had a very warm peaceful, comforting feeling come over me after the original panic left. And before I was rescued, at 9 yrs old. I hope he felt the same peace I did then.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Fla. Jim,