Tragedy in Buffalo?

[Steve S]

Does anyone have any info on what happened to the kiter who passed away today?   RIP

https://www.wivb.com/news/kite-surfer-found-dead_20180815211829/1373510331

[windydoug]

Hi Steve,

I heard this news as well, and it heartbreaking.  Details are still uncertain on what may have happened, but the boarder we lost yesterday is said to be a talented, dear, and long time member of the Buffalo wind sport scene.  Conditions were not extreme, and he was not alone at Hamburg Town Park.

On the Western NY Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, SUP-ing, Snow Kiting and Snowboarding FB page, his wind family has shared some info and reflections as they try to process what happened:

Jeff Bieler was a highly skilled windsurfer, and early convert to kiteboarding (early 00’s).  A couple people have shared that he was instrumental in helping them to get into windsurfing and kiteboarding by giving free instruction and even transporting younger riders to the beach before they could drive.

Many people have shared similar stories of his helping in times of need on and off the water.  Retrieving a lost board etc…..

Jeff was a frequent contributor to the above mentioned Facebook page, contributing anything wind and water sport related to the greater community.

The rider that helped him launch into the lake yesterday shared that the last words he said (no doubt smiling and stoked) were “are you gonna windsurf or kiteboarding today?”

Keep Jeff, his family, and the Buffalo area wind sport community in your thoughts in the days ahead.

Doug W.

Jeff playing in the wind on Lake Erie.

[kelshipman]

Thanks for the post Doug.   I met him a few times and he was one of the guys that made the kite/windsurf scene so good in Hamburg!

 

[windydoug]

Here is the most recent information as shared by the Buffao area wind sport crew and the news.

After reading all of this , it’s clear heaven is a better place today. If you are so inclined, donations in jeff’s name can be made to Hamburg Town Beach/Park, or the American Heart Association.

Kitesurfer who died on Lake Erie recalled as athletic, adventurous

http://www.demmerleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/jeffrey-biehler

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