Lawrence kayaker dies following Merrimack River rescue by firefighters last week
A Lawrence kayaker, who was rescued by firefighters last week after capsizing in the Merrimack River, has died, according to family spokeswoman and sister-in-law Susan Donahue.
Kevin S. Cadigan died Tuesday around 10:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston with his wife, Jennifer, at his side, Donahue said. The 50-year-old “longtime” Lawrence resident had been transferred to the hospital after being rescued last Wednesday.
Lawrence firefighters, who had been conducting training exercises nearby, noticed that Cadigan’s kayak had apparently capsized and pulled him from the river after a brief search.
One of the firefighters involved in the rescue told The Boston Globe afterwards that Cadigan, who had not been identified at the time, was “almost completely submerged” when they found him and did not have a pulse. He was then taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where medics were table to restore his pulse and put him on a ventilator.
Cadigan is survived by his wife, who is pregnant with their first child; two sons from a previous marriage; and four siblings, as well as many other close family and friends, according to Donahue.
In a statement provided by Donahue, Jennifer Cadigan also wished to thank the community and Lawrence firefighters James Amato, Jamiel Ortiz, and Fire Captain Tara Reardon for their “heroic” actions.
A gofundme.com page in support of Jennifer Cadigan and her expected child has been set up by Donahue.
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