NCRC loses one of our own.

[Tim White]

It is with great sadness we report the loss of NCRC Instructor Wilfredo López.
As reported by Carlos Lao-Davila, Wilfredo López passed away yesterday. He along with other three veterans were leading a group of about 13 on a trip in Rio Camuy, Puerto Rico. Local newspaper reports that there was a sudden increase in the current of the river.

A news report can be found at:

www.endi.com/noticia/seguridad/noticias/fatal_gira_de_espeleologo/113366

Journalist and fellow NCRC Instructor Mimi Ortiz reports and give commentary on Wilfredo's life at:

www.endi.com/noticia/seguridad/noticias/wilfredo_y_la_naturaleza/113385

You can use one of several free translation services online such Google to translate the above.
www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en

Wilfredo attended NCRC Level 3 in Corydon, Indiana in 2004 and became a NCRC instructor in 2006.

Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

[Sharon Faulkner]

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend and fellow NCRC instructor Tim.

Here is a brief translation of one news report:

just got this forward. its very sad news. a 34 year old caver, Wilfredo Lopez, from puerto rico dies while exploring the caves of the rio camuy system. he and 3 other "veteran explorers" were leading a group of 16 when suddenly the river's current increased and he and another caver, 25 years old, were pulled under. the 25 year old survived with cuts to his knees but Lopez remained under water for a long time and did not survive. he leaves behind a wife and 2 young children.

the story is in spanish, which i assume none of ya'll read, so i translated a bit. if you'd like me to translate the entire piece, just let me know.

please be careful out there people!

-lisa

www.endi.com/noticia/seguridad/noticias/fatal_gira_de_espeleologo/113366
(translated by caver Lisa Bencebi)

[Brian Roebuck]

It is indeed sad to hear about the loss of a caver and NCRC instructor. Condolences to his family and friends.

[tncaveres]

Man I hate to hear this.

[Tony Anders]

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I guess if there ever was a way to go, it would doing something you enjoyed though.