Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[clarki]

I’m sorry, @wiseguy. That’s rough. I don’t know what would be worse: finding your friend, or not finding him.

[Wiseguy]

I’m sorry, @wiseguy. That’s rough. I don’t know what would be worse: finding your friend, or not finding him.

Finding him would provide closure to his family. My grief is nothing compared to what his family is going through. I’m very thankful to the people searching. Let’s bring Brad home to his family.

[ChromerCast]

The article says he was with a friend. What happened to the friend? Did they get separated or somethin?
Sorry to family I hope they find some answers. this is my wife’s biggest fear.

[RalphH]

Sorry to hear about this tragedy.

He was with a friend and they were to meet up back where they parked and when he didn't show, reported him as missing.

I have never fished the canyon. I always felt a fish wasn't worth a broken neck. I have a cautious nature, others are more daring.

[iblly]

Man I used to scramble all over that canyon when I was much younger. Often alone. Count my lucky stars I guess. Terrible tragedy. My condolences to friends and family.

[Wiseguy]

The article says he was with a friend. What happened to the friend? Did they get separated or somethin?
Sorry to family I hope they find some answers. this is my wife’s biggest fear.

Brad went up into the Canyon and his friend did not want to go into the canyon. They agreed to meet up at Brads truck at the end of the day. Brad never returned to his truck unfortunately that evening. His friend notified the authorities. Still no sign of him. SAR has been searching on foot and with a chopper. The native band has been searching the reserve side of the river. The native band have been very supportive throughout this ordeal. The family is devastated. Brad was married with two young children.

[Rodney]

Here is the GoFundMe page for Brad:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-werbowski-family-as-they-search-for-bradly

[BlackFalcon]

I was extreamly sad to hear this news when it got to me, and I can't thank you enough @wiseguy for the updates you have provided.
Brad is a great guy and this is truly tragic. I can't imagine how his family feels.
I've shared this story to my outdoor friends and people I know from Chehalis, I hope they are able to find him.

[coastangler]

Here is the GoFundMe page for Brad:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-werbowski-family-as-they-search-for-bradly

Thanks Rod. Just donated. My thoughts are with his family and friends. As clarki said, this hits home.

Related to river and wading safety and hoping to help others, I can only recommend the following two podcasts from the Orvis fishing podcast with renowned experts on the topic. Some good tips and reminders on how to face tricky situations in the water and be as ready and as fit as possible. You can skip the "fly box" questions (usually first 30 min) to get to the actual interview. You can also find them on Apple music, etc.

https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/podcasts/general-fly-fishing/1859-this-podcast-may-save-your-life-with-ralph-cutter - highly recommend. I use the tips learned here every day when wading rivers and channels

https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/podcasts/general-fly-fishing/1848-how-to-become-a-better-wader-with-lindsay-kocka

[RalphH]

This time of year most local rivers will be in the cold water immersion temperature range. If you fall in, getting out of the water is the first of your problems. Hypothermia is an immediate threat. It has happened to me & always surprises me how quickly the feeling of cold and shivering sets in. In the cool air of late fall drying even synthetic clothing outside takes hours.

I carry a few items with me; a knife, a flame red survival blanket, a candle style lighter and a whistle.The 3 weigh next to nothing and are not bulky.  I have practiced whittling slivers of wood and lighting them with a sustained flame and it will work. You can't get a sustained flame from matches. The whistle can help alert S&R of your location. A flame red survival blanket will make you more visible.

Also many smart phone have some immersion rating. I always keep mine in a ziplock bag. You can also buy purpose made waterproof pouches or cases. You can't call 911 with a dead phone.

[Wiseguy]

Still no news. Friends and family continue to search the Chehalis river. Brad was an experienced angler and very familiar with the canyon having made many trips into the area. Hopefully he’s found soon so the family can have closure.