NEED TO KNOW
- Edgartown, Mass., natives Patricia Bergeron, 69, and Roy Scheffer, 77, are dead
- They died on Jan. 1, after their boat capsized off the water, per the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office
- The pair were married, according to The Martha’s Vineyard Times
A beloved couple from Massachusetts died after their boat capsized off Martha’s Vineyard on New Year’s Day.
According to a press release from the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, a 911 call was made requesting emergency response for two people “who were reported to have been on board a boat that capsized.”
The District Attorney’s office stated that multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, “responded quickly” to the location of the capsized boat approximately 1/2 mile off the coast of Edgartown.
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Upon arrival, the first responders observed Edgartown natives Patricia Bergeron, 69, and Roy Scheffer, 77, “in the water in the proximity of the overturned vessel.” According to The Martha’s Vineyard Times, the pair were married.
Since they were unresponsive and not breathing, the pair was transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, where “extensive lifesaving efforts” were performed, the press release explained. The two were ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital.
According to a press release, further investigation by the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office showed that a significant weather system suddenly came through Martha’s Vineyard before the 911 call.
The weather system is said to have produced “high winds and snow/sleet throughout the area. Reported abrupt worsening sea condition also [occurred] at this time, which created sea swells of 6 feet and 20 knot winds.”
The press release states that the boat was secured overnight, but investigators observed that the propeller was entangled in a polypropylene-style line on the day of their death.
Based on this information, investigators say their investigation remains open, but appears to be a “horrible accident with no signs of foul play.”
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time,” said the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office. “Martha’s Vineyard has lost two pillars of their community which will be deeply felt.”
The Martha’s Vineyard Times reported that Scheffer was an avid fisherman, while Bergeron worked for more than 40 years at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. According to Boston.com, Bergeron worked at the hospital as an emergency room coordinator.
“We are heartbroken to share that a longtime and deeply valued member of our hospital community has passed away following a tragic accident,” the hospital said in a statement.
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“Please join us in holding their loved ones — and all who are grieving — in your hearts,” their statement continued. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not sharing additional details at this time.”
Read the full article here
