Dripping Springs boy Lost at Sea.....

August 2010

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boat fish good great time fishing lift down nice very fuel today flats around back looking water onda shallow caught pesca luck sport guys thanks sounds best hope live year always alot does first trip foot same them come that people portable engine might trailer than congrats picked added working

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[Rooster]

This young man was in our youth group back when I was in ministry.
I led him to the Lord when he was in the 7th grade and baptised him!  This is all too sad and very heavy on my heart.
 
Dripping Springs Man Missing On Kayaking Trip

Posted: Feb 19, 2008 10:28 PM CST

 Dripping Springs Man Missing After Going Kayaking
 
 
Stephen Stafford
 

Austin, TX--A Dripping Springs man was still missing and presumed dead Tuesday night after disappearing on a kayaking trip in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.

Stephen Stafford, 19, was on a fishing trip with a co-worker when they decided to go kayak fishing early Sunday morning. Both kayaks were capsized by waves, and although Stafford's co-worker was found, the Coast Guard said Stafford got lost in the waves while yelling for help.

Stafford was not wearing a life jacket, something his mother and girlfriend want others to think about twice. Water safety is something everyone should take seriously.

"Even though life jackets don't look good, it might not be your color, you should wear it," Stafford's girlfriend Erika Izquierdo said.

"If he did, at least they would find him," added his mother Susan Stafford. "They still have not found him. It's been three days. They've exhausted the search."

After their trip to Padre Island, the women worry others will make Stephen's same fatal mistake. At this time of year, with so many visitors on vacation, it's easy to be too confident.

"They didn't have any signs there -- and a bunch of crosses -- and even the Coast Guard itself said, 'Wait until Spring Break. These kids start drinking,'" Stafford said.

The Coast Guard's search was called off Monday afternoon. Stafford and Izquierdo hope people will learn from this tragedy, even as they wait and hope Stephen's body is recovered.

"I'm always going to wonder, 'Is he going to come knocking on my door? Is he going to show up?' That's definitely some closure I will need," Izquierdo said.

The Stafford family is planning a memorial service, regardless of whether Stephen's body is found. Izquierdo said she's trying to hold onto her best memories of Stafford.

"He always made me laugh, that's the biggest thing," Izquierdo said. "He always made me laugh anytime we were together."

 
 
 

[J.Dean]

What a terrible thing to happen, prayers up for the family and friends.

[Texas Red]

Very sad indeed......I'm very sorry to hear about this.........

[Lance D]

I agree it is a sad loss for his friends and family. I am guilty of not wearing my PFD when in water that is 5 ft or less but when crossing deep water that PFD is the first thing I reach for. I need to start wearing it even in shallower water because a rip current can take you away in 2 - 3 foot of water.

[Rooster]

he was outside the jetties at Port A.

Major NO NO this time of year  esp. without a PFD!  Crazy currents....he could be anywhere.

[Capt Mike Cook]

That is sad. My prayers are with the family.

[Redfishon]

he was outside the jetties at Port A.

Major NO NO this time of year  esp. without a PFD!  Crazy currents....he could be anywhere.

 I was think the same thing.. This time of year is rough..

[Lance D]

he was outside the jetties at Port A.

Major NO NO this time of year  esp. without a PFD!  Crazy currents....he could be anywhere.

Outside the jetties anytime of the year without a PFD is a major no no.

[Texas Red]

Due to the many stories like this that I have heard or read in the past year, I am personally committing to wearing my PFD this year.  I am sure it will be like the seat belt law was when passed, kind of awkward and uncomfortable at first.  But once you get used to wearing it, I am sure you will feel unsafe without it.

This poor young man made a poor judgement call, but so too have all of us.  He certainly did not deserve to pay for this mistake with his life.   May we all learn from this tragedy and take the proper precautions so that his death may help to save another life.

[Rodney]

His body was found yesterday. Family seemed relieved. Watchin' report now on news. Family plans on going to coast over spring break to speak out about wearing life vests to beach goers.
I am glad that they now have closure.

[CC Bug Man]

    We are the leaders.  It is our job to ALWAYS wear our PFD's no matter how confidant we are on the water. 
   
    Be aware of the message we send. 

    Preach safety.

    We must influence the newbies.  Maybe even save a life.

    I'm sorry if this is a soapbox.

[Lance D]

    We are the leaders.  It is our job to ALWAYS wear our PFD's no matter how confidant we are on the water. 
   
    Be aware of the message we send. 

    Preach safety.

    We must influence the newbies.  Maybe even save a life.

    I'm sorry if this is a soapbox.

No apology needed. We all need a little reminder from time to time. I refuse to say this boy's death was in vain, it was for a reason and if it was only to remind us about safety it was for something good. I am sorry for the family's loss but he is in a better place now.

[San Anto JCSr.]

My Sincere Condolences To The Stafford Family & Friends* This is indeed "Tragic" May The Lord Our God give the Stafford Family The Strength & Guidance In This Their Time of Need..."AMEN" May Stephen Rest In Peace...In Jesus Christ his Sons Name..."AMEN"    "TAKE CARE" YALL & "WEAR YOUR PFD @ ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER"* L8r. James,"VATO LOCO" 

[Brazos]

Wearing your PFD is so important. This kinda story makes me feel so bad for the family of that youngster.
Brazos