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Family grieves young fisherman's death
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by Mindy Aguon, KUAM News
Monday, May 05, 2008
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21-year-old John Peter Jesus loved spending his free time in the ocean spearfishing. Sunday was no different as he and two friends headed out to his favorite fishing spot in Asan. His sister Jeanette says her brother, who she called "Johnnie", was especially thrilled about the outing. She recalled, "He was so excited yesterday to come diving 'cause he missed two Fridays and Sundays, so he was excited and he wanted to catch one of the big parrot fish and stuff. So I guess he overdid it."
Jeanette also added, "He loved to dive, he's a good swimmer."
Around three o'clock, John was seen in the water, swimming with his fins on. He was supposed to meet up with his friends at five last night, but he never made it to shore. Around 7:30 Sunday night U.S. Coast Guard and Guam Fire Department rescue personnel were dispatched to the area along with the Navy's HSC-25 helicopter unit, conducting searches in the water that resumed at daybreak today. USCG Lieutenant Elizabeth Buendia said, "We've been searching this morning all day with the small boat and also we have our 110-foot patrol boat the Washington, has been searching as well. We've been developing search patterns that have going well offshore."
Family and friends spent the night on the beachside, praying for a positive outcome that John would still be alive. But his mother Julie's worst nightmare came around 11:30 Monday morning, as Navy personnel aboard the U.S.S. Sumner found a lifeless body a quarter-mile west of Orote Point. Julie says her second oldest son, whom she called "Pedro", was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jeanette said, "He's like the lady in the house, he washes everybody's clothes," with Julie adding, "He cleans, he takes care of the house in and out while I work and the rest go to school."
His mother calmly said, "Tell him that we love him and we'll be missing him."
While the surf conditions were calm on Sunday, divers swimmers and spearfishers are reminded to remember a few rules before getting into the water. Lt. Buendia cautioned, "Safety first - always whenever you go in the water, let someone know and always go with a partner."
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