Very sad news to report today.  Reports are breaking that an Owensboro man died Monday in Alabama while trying to save a child from drowning.

Authorities in Baldwin County, Alabama say that 47-year-old Steve Wahler of Owensboro tried to rescue a 12-year-old boy who was struggling against intense surf caused by Hurricane Nate.  Another rescuer, 21-year-old Bradley Murphy (from Alabama) also went into the water in an effort to save the young man.  Both he and Wahler drowned. The 12-year-old boy made it to shore safely.

Steve Wahler graduated from Daviess County High School in 1988 and was a member of First General Baptist Church in Owensboro.  He was the IT Manager for the Messenger-Inquirer.

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The U.S. Coast Guard led efforts to recover the bodies of Wahler and Murphy.  Wahler's  body has been found, but, as of this story, crews are still searching for the body of Bradley Murphy.

Today, as news spreads, classmates and friends of Wahler's are sharing memories of him and their recollections on what a great guy he was.  And, clearly, his efforts this week in Alabama were heroic.  He passed trying to save the life of another.

His childhood friend, Meredith Rose Nave, shared this sentiment to honor Steve and his spirit.  She simply wrote, "Fly high my friend . . . with that big smile."

 

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