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Local man missing after accident in Wyoming |
2010-07-29 |
By Adrienne Leon |
 Joel and Joey Fegarido (photo
courtesy of Robert Wilkinson) Peachtree City Seventh Day Adventist Church is where many loved ones gathered Wednesday night to hold a prayer vigil for the family of a church member still missing almost a week after being swept away in the Snake River in Wyoming.
"We don't want to be presumptuous so until we find the body, we're holding on to a miracle," said Pastor Dave Ketelsen, who oversees the Sharpsburg church where many Fayette County residents attend.
Joel Fegarido, a husband and father of two children, is described as someone who is always willing to help -- exactly what he did in a successful rescue effort to save his son's life, relatives said.
Fegarido, of Newnan, was reported missing last Saturday after he jumped into the water to rescue his 10-year-old son, Joey, from a strong current, public safety officials from Wyoming said.
Fegarido's brother-in-law, Robert Wilkinson, said the family was spending the last day of vacation wading and swimming when "Joey got caught by the riverfront."
"The kids were just playing around in a few areas where kids were swimming and Joey got out a little bit too far," Wilkinson recalled.
"Joel saw this and attempted to keep Joey from going under until he couldn't touch the bottom."
Wilkinson said the pair were heading downstream until Fegarido shoved the boy to an area where he could stand until a kayak was sent to take him to shore.
"Through his experience as a lifeguard, Fegarido intended to sustain on his own," Wilkinson said.
"He knew what he was getting into and he was there to save his kid and that's exactly what he did."
Rescue efforts are expected to continue for Fegarido. While optimistic about the outcome, the family and friends say they are at peace regardless how the situation turns out.
"Joel is a hero in so many other ways and is a wonderful husband and father," said Ketelsen. "He is a huge believer in Christian education and he set a great example for our church family."
Church officials ask anyone who wishes to support a trust fund set up for the Fegarido family to call 678-416-9171 for more information.
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Comments:
Cindy Carlisle writes: I have been in shock since I first heard the news. I can't help but think of all the conversations, all the laughs and all the people that adored Joel. He was an amazing person. Joel always took a genuine interest in people and their lives. I can't recall one moment where he didn't have a smile on his face and a willingness to help wherever he could. My heart just aches for his family. And I too am praying that the greatest miracle of all will show itself. This is a man that truely loved and lived God. Whatever the outcome.....I am and or was truley blessed to have know this man. My families prayers will not cease....May God Bless even through this.
ALLEN WILLIAMS writes: I LIVE IN GRIFFIN
I DON'T CARE WHAT GOES ON IN FAYETVILLE
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