Its been almost 4 days and no word- even after extensive on the water search and rescue missions by the Hood River sheriff and his friends canvassing the town with photos and signs. Please help by keeping an eye out for him if you're out there!!
Several SF sailors were in the Gorge this past week for a summer trip and wedding.
Paul was last seen with his friends on a stand up paddle board on Friday July 3 at roughly 12:30pm at the Hook in Hood River Oregon in calm, light wind waters. A windsurfer spotted the paddle board floating approximately 150 yards from Jensen Beach. A passing kayaker was able to help get the board (and paddle) to shore return to the rental shop. The police were contacted and a search began immediately.
Paul is 5'4" - 5'5", tan, fit, dark hair (slightly thinning hair...), and brown eyes. He was wearing a black nylon baseball hat, sunglasses with red croakies, no shirt, white board shorts with big blue flowers (old navy). The shorts had a faded orange whistle and keys in the pockets.
The Sheriff and his crew have been in search with boats, divers and a plane. Please help us by keeping an eye out for him if you're out there!!
If you see, or know something please call the county sheriff's office 24 hour number at 541-386-2711.
Paul's girlfriend Michell has started a blog to get out the latest info:
Monday afternoon update:
Tribute to Paul tonight at Crissy Field at 7:30PM. We will have a raising of sails in Paul's
honor since we'll be at his favorite spot hopefully having enjoyed his favorite sport earlier. So, if you're going to sail today, DON'T DERIG. If you're not going to sail come prepared to rig one of your sails and be ready to go by 7:30pm. At 7:30 we will gather on the sand at Crissy and simultaneously raise our sails in his honor and have our moment of silence and think good thoughts about him.
From Michell
As the search for Paul continues, I think it would be very special if we can all get together tomorrow, Monday July 6th at 7:30pm to share in a moment of silence and to help focus our thoughts on getting Paul the help he needs. So many of you have reached out and asked what you can do to help and now we need you to act. Our intention is to bridge the cap between Hood River, San Francisco and any other place you may be on this earth.
San Francisco - Crissy Field
Bring a candle, a cigar, a guitar, a bong, a bottle of wine, beer, a picture of Paul or whatever you feel would be appropriate to help pray/channel your energy to get Paul back to us.
Meet at Crissy Field for a moment of silence at 7:30pm. Tell your friends and family to join you - we really need all the help and support we can get.
Hood River - The Hook
Bring a candle, a cigar, a guitar, a bong, a bottle of wine, beer, a picture of Paul or whatever you feel would be appropriate to help pray/channel your energy to get Paul back to us.
Meet at the Hook for a moment of silence at 7:30pm. Tell your friends and family to join you - we really need all the help and support we can get.
Tuesday update:
Our search ends
Sadly, earlier this morning (Tuesday July 7), the Sheriff's dept. recovered Paul's body from the Columbia river. He was found near the Event Site.
7 comments:
It's very strange, I just met Paul for the first time about a month ago. He was very exited about Standup Paddling. I wonder what happened? He had close to 30 years experience on the water. When I paddle or surf I use a leash to attach myself to my board or boat. I wonder if that would have helped? It is very sad, he was an outgoing guy who loved the water.
Paul was a regular fixture at Crissy. Always with a smile!
He will be dearly missed.
It is thought that he may have had a seizure or heart attack while on his SUP board in the gorge last week. Im not sure a leash would have helped. I guess, when its your time, its your time- even if you or your friends are ready or not.
Cherish life and friendship while you can!
The leash helps if you fall off your board. The last thing you want to do is be in the middle of the bay or a river without your board. But it sounds like it wouldn't have helped Paul. It is very sad.
My wife is shocked that he could have suffered a heart attack. He looked so strong. We met Paul and Michelle at Laurie Paul's house a little over a month ago. (Paul went to Cal with Laurie's brothers.) We talked about sailing, windsurfing and stand up paddling. He and Michelle had just come back from a paddle on Richardson Bay.
This tragic event just reaffirms that you have to live every moment to it's fullest because you never know when it's going to be over.
Laurie talked to my wife today, apparently Paul had been to the doctor to diagnose mini arm seizures. He was told by the doctor that he would probably have a major seizure down the road and would need to take medication to control . Paul said screw it, there was no way that he would take medication.
Best way to go, if you ask me.
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