From Deseret News archives:

Missing man presumed drowned in Utah Lake inspired amputees

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 12:07 a.m. MDT
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In McHugh's work as as a peer counselor for Amputee Coalition of America, he frequently talks with those whose "world is rocked" by the loss of a limb. They often ask "Why me?" or become angry and resentful, McHugh said, but he never saw any of that in Decker.

"Craig was nothing but positive momentum," he said. "He seemed to have completely accepted the fact that this happened, and he was bent on living his life to the fullest."

Several comments posted beneath Decker's videos express appreciation and awe for his determination and ingenuity.

"Thx so mutch 4 helping people the way u do," 1armedwonder posted four days ago. "Its important that people get to see that u can do whatever u set ur mind 2."

"I can't believe you are such a recent amputee," Deafboogie remarked two months ago.

"What a great guy. He will be missed," Mxchamps wrote Monday.

The posts also attest to Decker's humor. At the bottom of the can-opening tutorial, one poster wrote, "I can open a can with my voice alone — (by asking a girl to do it)."

"Touche," Decker responded, "But let's face it ... chicks dig a guy who can open a can."

Decker's parents said they've been overwhelmed by the number of condolences they've received from people across the nation since the accident. They didn't realize his sphere of influence extended so far, Lyle Decker said.

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Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon said the search for Decker's body has produced no new results.

"We have not found any items connected to Craig," he said Monday.

The searchers are using sonar to scan the depths of Utah Lake. They've whittled their search crew down from about 60 on Sunday to about 27 people on Monday, but Cannon said that is because sonar works best with as little disturbance as possible to the water.

The search was suspended about 8 p.m. as rising winds made using the sonar equipment difficult. They planned to resume the search this morning.

Lyle Decker said he appreciates the rescue teams who've let them come out on the boats. He also said he's certain his son's body will be found.

"We have no worries about that," he said. "There is no fear or concern about that."


E-mail: jdana@desnews.com

Recent comments

My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. My husband...

Anonymous | July 23, 2008 at 9:47 p.m.

My heart goes out to Craig's family. I know they love him dearly, and...

Autumn | July 12, 2008 at 9:09 a.m.

Craig was inspiring in his attempts to go beyond his limitations. But...

Phil | July 8, 2008 at 3:03 p.m.

Image

Wendell Nope with the Department of Public Safety checks a sonar device being used to search for Craig Decker in Utah Lake.

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