It is with great sadness that a close friend and dragon boat supporter has passed away this morning in Arizona. Joseph "aka Okie" O'Connor was responsible for the Tempe Town Lake. He not only allowed us to race there but he had fully supported all facets of paddling.
I remember only seeing him a few months ago at the 10th Annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival looking chipper and happy. With his usual smile from the skiff, he would just give us the odd wave but always having the "fatherly" look - Safety first but have fun.
Oakie, we will miss you. I know all the local and out of state teams will miss you but we will know that you will watch over us, on your lake. Rest in peace.
Posted: 9:40 AM
Last Updated: 59 minutes ago
By: ABC15.com staff
TEMPE, AZ - The Tempe Fire Department has located the body of a man who fell into Tempe Town Lake Saturday morning.
The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Joseph O'Connor who worked for the City of Tempe, said Sergeant Mike Pooley, Tempe Police Department.
Tempe Fire Department responded to a call of a person seen struggling in Tempe Town Lake around 9:00 a.m., said Jim Smith, Tempe Fire Department.
Witnesses reported to dispatch that a man was seen struggling in the water, fell below the surface and did not come back up, according to Tempe Fire.
Officials were unable to immediately to locate or retrieve the victim, said Molly Enright, Tempe Police.
Tempe Police does not suspect foul play and is calling it a "very tragic accident," said Enright.
It is believed that O'Connor fell off of a boat and suffering a medical episode.
Read more:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/tempe/authorities-responding-to-possible-drowning-at-tempe-town-lake#ixzz2R2zVSDve
