Featured Image Credit: Facebook/ Corwin Wheeler
Topics: Alaska, GoFundMe, US News, Social Media
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Alaska, GoFundMe, US News, Social Media
Tributes are pouring in online for a 21-year-old fisherman who passed away after becoming 'entangled in fishing gear' and dragged out to sea.
On 5 July, at around 12.31pm, Alaska Department of Public Safety Patrol received a mayday call from a commercial salmon fisherman in Kvichak Bay in southern Alaska, US.
The fisherman reported he'd lost a member of his crew overboard.
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Alaskan Wildlife Troopers responded to the call and 'located and retrieved their unconscious crew member out of the water'.
The report continues: "AWT performed lifesaving measures for approximately one hour prior to pronouncing the crewman deceased.
"Investigation revealed crewman Corwin Wheeler, age 21 of Wisconsin, had become entangled in fishing gear and was pulled overboard and underwater.
"Next of kin has been notified."
And Corwin's loved ones have been flocking to social media to pay tribute to the young fisherman.
Corwin's dad, Jeff Rowe, wrote 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 user posted: "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."
A GoFundMe has since been set up to help Corwin's mom with the 'cost of bringing him home to Wisconsin'.
The page states: "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.
"All donations will be going directly to Corwin's mom to help bring his body home from Alaska. If you can't donate, it's OK. Just share this on your social media to help out the cause."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.