Tributes are flooding social media for a 21-year-old fisherman who tragically died after being “entangled in fishing gear” and swept out to sea. The Alaska Department of Public Safety Patrol received an urgent distress signal on July 5 at approximately 12:31 pm from a commercial salmon fisherman in Kvichak Bay in southern Alaska. The fisherman reported that a crew member had fallen overboard.
Alaskan Wildlife Troopers raced to the scene and “located and retrieved their unconscious crew member from the water.” Despite efforts to save him, “AWT performed lifesaving measures for approximately one hour before pronouncing the crewman deceased.” The investigation uncovered that the crewman, Corwin Wheeler, aged 21 from Wisconsin, had been caught in fishing gear, which led to him being pulled overboard and submerged underwater. His next of kin has been notified.
Since the incident, Corwin’s family and friends have taken to social media to honor his memory. Corwin’s father, Jeff Rowe, expressed his grief on Facebook: “On the night of July 5th, my son Corwin Wheeler Rowe died while out working a fishing boat in Alaska. He was my only child and I loved him more than anything else in the world. I pray he knows that, and I hope he has found peace. More info will be posted when it’s available.”
Another heartbroken user shared, “I can’t even describe how much it hurts knowing you’re gone. But I do understand you did what you loved, and you didn’t let anyone tell you otherwise so for that I will always love you Corwin Wheeler.”
To assist Corwin’s mother with the expenses of transporting him back to Wisconsin, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. The page highlights, “Corwin was doing what he loved most – he was a fisherman of the Bering Sea. Unfortunately, the Bering Sea took his life this past weekend. For anyone that knew him, he was one of a kind. Hardworking, fearless, and a brother to many. His smile and laughter could light up the room on even stormy days. He would give you the shirt off his back even if you didn’t need it. He just cared for everyone he met. And he will be missed by so many people.” The fundraiser encourages donations and social media shares to support the cause.
If you are struggling with bereavement and need someone to talk to, The Compassionate Friends can be contacted confidentially at (877) 969-0010.