Updated: Father and son mourned following Lake Champlain kayak accident

WILLSBORO | A community was left reeling and is now mourning the loss of a local father and son following a tragic kayak accident on Lake Champlain May 7. Loved ones somberly announced the passing of 3-year-old Beckett Wells just one day after the death of his father, Patrick. Though the accident near the Willsboro boat launch is still being investigated, loved ones said the 28-year-old Willsboro man had taken his son, Beckett, out on the lake "as he had done so many times before, but today ended very differently," according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by Brandie Wells just hours after the afternoon tragedy claimed the local father's life. "The kayak flipped over and both Patrick and Beckett found themselves in the lake. Patrick did what any devoted father would do, he put Beckett's life before his own and as of now Beckett is fighting for his life in Vermont and Patrick at the young age of 28 has passed away," read the GoFundMe, which raised more than $16,000 in just 48 hours to help cover the local father's funeral expenses. Despite the fast action of local first responders, the elder Wells succumbed to injuries while his toddler clung to life at a local hospital before being airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Though many held out hope, the toddler passed away late Saturday afternoon. "After Beckett fighting as hard as we all know he could; after all the hard work of the medical staff that did their best to help Beckett; and all the prayers from everyone; on May 8th around 5:30 p.m. Beckett's time with us on Earth ended. He made the journey with his dad, to the stars above us where they will forever be looking down upon us. We will carry them in our hearts and minds forever. Please pray for the parents of these young boys as they grieve this loss," a somber evening announcement read. "Even though Patrick only had a little over three years to share with his son, he made every one of those days count, whether it was making breakfast or taking him any of the many places he had to go, Beckett was Patrick's whole world." After moving to Willsboro from Germany at 14, Wells grew to love his new hometown and Lake Champlain, becoming a standout player on the soccer field and known for his far-reaching swing on local golf courses. "When he became an adult, he developed an interest in food and worked in the food industry. Once Beckett was born everything in Patrick's world changed, and Beckett became the center of that world," the online fundraiser read. As word of his death spread May 8, friends, neighbors and strangers from near and far offered somber condolences, recalling the local weightlifter as "truly one of a kind." "Patrick was such a great friend. He was always loyal, kind-hearted, selfless, and honest. He also had a great sense of humor and knew how to make others laugh," Clay Sherman recalled as tributes for the local father poured in. "Pat was always there for the people he cared about. You could always count on Pat. The same qualities that made him a great friend made him an even better father. He loved his son deeply and was so proud of him. Beckett truly was his world. From the moment Beckett was born Patrick spent every ounce of energy he had being the best father possible to his son." In an afternoon update from New York State Police May 10, officials said the local father died as a result of hypothermia and drowning. Both deaths have been ruled accidental. The Essex County Sheriff's Department, along with fellow first responders who rushed to the chilly waters that day, were publicly recognized for their fast action May 10. The Essex County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution of appreciation for all involved, saying the sheriff's department "went above and beyond the call of duty trying to save those people." Anyone interested in donating to the GoFundMe efforts, can visit Fundraiser by Brandie Wells: Patrick Wells Funeral and Memorial Services or Help Beckett Wells Funeral Expenses. The online fundraiser for the young boy quickly grew in support on Mother's Day as word of his passing spread, and reached more than $10,000 in just hours. "Please continue with the prayers as we get through this together," said Courtney Pray, who organized the young boy's fundraiser as his family now grieves the overwhelming loss. Services for the father and son have not yet been announced. Editor's Note: This article was updated at 2 p.m. May 10. No additional information was available at that time.

Signup for our newsletter

Updated: Father and son mourned following Lake Champlain kayak accident

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS