Monday, November 28, 2011
News: Body of Ashburn Father of Four Recovered After Canoe Accident; 7-Year-old Son Rescued by Local Teens
(Nov. 28, 2011) - The Ashburn community is rallying around Tony DiGiovanna's family Monday after the 49-year-old father of four reportedly drowned in a canoe accident on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir Sunday afternoon. His 7-year-old son was rescued by bystanders who jumped into the cold water after the family's canoe capsized.
Family friend Tom DeMay posted on Facebook around 1:30 p.m. that DiGiovanna's body had been found by rescue workers around noon Monday. Authorities in Loudoun are now officially identifying DiGiovanna as the victim of the accident and confirming the recovery of the body.
Two of the rescuers who jumped in the water to help the son to safety have been identified as George Lewis, a senior at Briar Woods High School, and Brad Odenheimer, a senior at Stone Bridge High School.
Lewis poignantly posted on Facebook after the rescue: "Just helplessly witnessed a man lose his life and a ... boy lose his father. This is the most terrible thing I have ever seen or been through, to hear a man's last words before he sinks beneath the water in front of his own child."
On DiGiovanna's Facebook page, tributes were already pouring in for the popular father, coach, musician, and pilot among other things. Wrote one friend:
"R.I. P. My dear friend You will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. So long Twon, may your spirit soar above the clouds where you enjoyed being so much. you were A Great friend, A Super husband and father, An incredible pilot, Smokin guitar player A great man. love you and miss you always Twon"
Family friend Tom DeMay posted this detailed update prior to that:
"Here's what I know. Tony DiGiovanna, his son ... and his dog were canoeing at Goose Creek Reservoir and the boat capsized. (The son) had a life vest, Tony did not. Some bystanders ... were on the shore and tried to get out to help. They helped (the son) to safety. Somehow, the dog made it too. But Tony did not make it back.
"The bystanders tried to get out to Tony, but could not. I believe the weeds and rocks made it difficult to weed through and the water was just too cold. Tony was struggling and then just disappeared. (The son) was taken to Lansdowne Hospital and then later moved to Fairfax. They were keeping him overnight as a precaution to make sure there is no infection, but I understand he is doing fine. I do not know why he was moved.
"I don't know what time the incident happened, but it was almost 5PM when I got the call ... I was able to stay at the creek for a while. Perhaps sometime between 6 and 7 they made everyone leave because they were bringing in all their "assets" (divers, helicopters, men, dogs, etc) and calling in people that were off duty and did not want anyone in the way. As I was leaving an officer called me back to tell me it did not look good.
... around 8:30 that they were still considering this a search and rescue ... they worked until 12:30 last night and had to stop since the divers are only allowed in the water for so long. They are going to start again at 8:30 today. I still haven't given up hope and will continue to pray for a miracle."
Loudoun County Sheriff’s released this statement: "Deputies responded to the area of the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir to assist Loudoun Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management with a water rescue. An adult male and child were reportedly in a canoe that capsized. A child was assisted to the shore by nearby witnesses. He was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The adult male was not located. A search of the reservoir was conducted throughout the evening by members of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Recovery Unit with aerial support from the Fairfax County Police Department helicopter. Units remain on the scene on November 28, 2011."
Editor's note: I coached one of Tony's sons in the 2 Ridges Basketball League and my heart goes out to the family. I can't believe this has happened -- Dan Sousa