[sonofstriper]

Hi all,

Again, thank you all for your outpouring of support for my dad. We have been reading your blog posts over and over and mom crys every time to think that dad was so well loved in the fishing community. It's funny, we all knew he loved to fish, but we really had no idea how many people he touched as a result.

I know so many of you would like to know what happened and I'm very sorry to report that the medical examiner has now concluded that the cause of death was accidental drowning and not heart attack or some other cause. This news was particularly devastating to our family as I know it will be to all of you. What is most surprising to me is that this happened to my dad who ALWAYS taught me to respect the ocean and never turn my back on the surf. We knew dad took risks fishing, but I always trusted that the risks were reasonable and that he had taken proper precautions to avoid injury. When I asked, he told me that he always wore a life vest when wet suiting. Clearly in this case he was not wearing a life vest and he was fishing alone which was not smart.

A special thank you to all who were involved in the search and recovery of his body. We hope to be in contact with you shortly to express our thanks personally.

I know my dad wouldn't have been living if he couldn't fish and he died doing what he loved, but he left a huge hole in our lives that will never be filled. If no other good comes from dad's death, I hope that all of you guys will recognize the risks associated with your sport and not take undue risk (especially as you get older) if only for the sake of your families.

For those who are local, dad's wake will be held at Hill Funeral Home in East Greenwich, RI this Wednesday from 5 - 8pm and his funeral will be the following day at 10am at Our Lady of Mercy also in East Greewich.

My kindest regards,

Mike