Lost a fisherman

Sounds like they are investigating, but prayers of comfort for friends and family.  I see that he was at least active in some of the tournaments.

Life is fragile.

http://q13fox.com/2015/05/15/39-year-old-graham-man-dies-in-kayaking-mishap-at-neah-bay/

No mention of whether he was attempting to go out alone and whether or not he was wearing a helmet.  All it takes is one mistake.  RIP

Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said Roland Abiva, of Graham, had just launched his 13-foot kayak from a beach Thursday when it was capsized by a wave and he was knocked into the water.

I'm really hoping this isn't Dino's family

Sadly it was. Roland was his cousin. Many of our NWKA brothers were all up at Hobuck with him when it happened. I don't know all the details, so that's all I'll say.  What a sad time as Roland is one of the most helpful, funny, and kind person I know. Please send your prayers to Dino and Edwin's (Roland's brother) family.

We gave him cpr on the beach til the medics arrived,  but it was to no avail.

Of all the people, I still can't believe it was Roland. He did everything right, wearing all the proper gear, well within his limits, and the surf was small.

He was an amazing guy that had no enemies. Very kind, funny, and we all loved him. One of the first things he asked my wife when we arrived was, "Where's Kimbra (our daughter)? I brought a bunch of oranges to feed her". Anytime he could steal her from us, he would stuff her full of cookies and fruit. We're really gonna miss him... 

Met Roland like, twice. He was one of those guys that you remember easily and forever.

So sad and tragic. Was it drowning? Hit his head?  Underlying medical issue? Just wanting to understand how it could go so wrong with folks so close by. 

Praying for the family.

It's not clear at the moment. For now it was determined to be a drowning.

Dino, I am so sorry for your loss.

For the past few years, this has been the weekend that Dino and Roland trekked down to Gimme Shelter.  I always looked forward to this weekend, as I would stay with them in a rental  house.  Roland was just an all around nice guy and a ton of fun to hang out with.

My heart aches.   

-Allen

This is devastating news. My heart goes out to his family. Roland has been a member of this community for years. He was a seasoned salty guy and not known to take safety issues lightly. My only thought could be that it was either a medical issue or just a freak accident. We may not ever know.

Whatever the case, it's incredibly tragic. We will miss his huge smile, big heart, and welcoming spirit.

Fish on, Roland.

Obviously just speculation,  but I feel like something went wrong medically, cause of death is still pending a determination. 

"Roland is very much loved by our kayak angling community and by all who knew him. He was a very kind and generous man. He loved the water, and he loved helping our local Veterans and Military Servicemen and he especially loved being at Hobuck not just for the fishing but for the serenity and the friends he made there. He has kayak fished the ocean for many years, he has competed annually in tournaments from Shelter Cove, CA to Depoe Bay, OR and here in WA. He was very much skilled in kayak fishing and knew how to handle himself in the ocean, he knew his limitations. We will plan to have a Memorial for him at Hobuck in future.

Roland was not immediately faced down in the water when his kayak capsized, he was not even in his kayak. He was preparing to launch from shore when his kayak flipped. He was standing and requesting assistance to help retrieve his kayak and gear when he collapsed. He was quickly pulled to shore by friends on shore that were also members of our HOW team that had come up to fish the Halibut opener, they quickly began CPR. He had been sick for a long time, but he would not let it slow him down. He has had an ongoing medical condition but cause of death is still pending an autopsy."

So sad to hear this. Godspeed Roland!

So sad to hear this news. Sorry for your loss Dino, condolences to you and the rest of his family and friends. I know it doesn't help but that's how I want to go, pursuing my passion.

ruben

Very sad to hear.  Sincerest condolences to his friends, family, and fellow fishermen.