I come to you today to ask for your help to help us lay my father to rest.
On Thursday, March 5th, 2026 dad went night fishing on a kayak on the Guadalupe River with another person and unfortunately that person left him behind and didn’t report him missing. He left him in the water with no flash light and no direction back to land. He failed to report he was missing the night dad didn't come back to shore. He failed to report it in general until the day I filed the missing person report. He lied to us and lied to authorizes adding additional days to him being left in the water.
On March 6th, 2026 the search started when he didn’t come home. We called his work, family, friends and hospitals to find him and unfortunately nobody seen him. We then started a foot search and reported him as missing. Over the weekend we searched high and low and sent our prayers up to please shield him while he’s out there.
On March 9th, 2026 his youngest sister found his car parked at the Guadalupe River Parking Lot. We sat on hope that he was somewhere holding on waiting for someone to find him. We searched for hours, the cops called in a search and rescue team to come in the next day.
On March 10th, 2026 a search and rescue team was launched and our hope was still there to know that you were going to be rescued! We searched for hours, walked miles to look for you. I hated calling your name through the marsh but we pushed through and screamed it hoping to hear your voice. At dawn the search team brought us what they found. it wasn’t you but part of you... your two sweaters, shoes and socks. All found separated on the search but still found.
I thought... that can be anyone’s but when they showed us your hat my stomach dropped past my feet because it was yours. My tunnel vision kicked in when the search and rescue team confirmed that tomorrow will be a search and recover.
When they recovered the kayak March 10th, it looked like it went through a battle and I couldn’t help but wonder if you struggled or if you were cold or if you were scared!?
My heart, our hearts hurt so much to know you were the humblest person... someone that literally helped everyone and anyone, even those who didn’t deserve it and on the day you needed help but you where left behind.
Regardless on the items found, I took the little hope I had left and prayed to God that you were somewhere holding on, waiting for someone to find you.
On March 11th, 2026 , Santa Clara County launched their Underwater Search Team. We got as close as we could to the location they found your items and sat there waiting for you to walk up but instead the Lieutenant asked our family to please go back to the parking lot to wait...
Shortly after that two lieutenants came down to speak with us and told us they found a male body and that fits your description. I still didn’t believe it because how could the strongest person I know be gone, it’s just impossible. As we all know grief is odd, it makes us feel empty... but no matter what, time doesn’t stop while we deal with this tragic situation.
I of course know that death is for everyone but I hate that yours was this way!! I’m sure you don’t feel the same way Dad... as an island man spending his last moments fishing, fighting to catch that big one! Now that you’re gone, I ask and come to you all humbly to ask for your help to help us bury my dad in the same cemetery as his parents.
I want to thank everyone in advance for any donation, post, share, prayers and all the love that has been already sent and all the future love that will be sent.
A special thank you to the Santa Clara Law Enforcement, Santa Clara Search and Rescue, Santa Clara Underwater Search Team and of course my family that helped search for him. Everyone worked so hard and because of that we get to bring you home lay you to rest. Thank you God for guiding us to him!
