This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Brockus, Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5460/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Guard, Lincoln City, OR 97367 June 16, 2010 KITE FLIER FALLS TO HIS DEATH FATAL PLUNGE FROM CLIFFS AT DEPOE BAY A Depoe Bay man died after falling into the ocean when trying to retrieve a lost kite from cliffs near his home on the evening of Friday, June 11. According to Oregon State Police (OSP), Dennis Keith Brockus, 45, was flying kites with his 45-year-old roommate at the end of Vista Street in Depoe Bay when his kite fell and got snagged on rocks. At about 6 p.m., Brockus' roommate broke his kite by crashing it into the ground and headed back to their shared house to carry out repairs. Meanwhile, OSP say, it appears Brockus went out on to the rocky outcropping to try and retrieve his own kite. His roommate returned to the scene and, finding no sign of his friend, called 911 at about 7:02 p.m.. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Facility Newport and two 47-foot lifeboats from Station Depoe Bay. Depoe Bay Fire District (DBFR), Pacific West Ambulance and OSP all assisted with the search. At about 7:58 p.m. the Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted Brockus about two miles south of Vista Street, floating face-down about 50 to 100 yards from shore. The helicopter lowered a rescue swimmer to retrieve Brockus, who was unresponsive, and airlifted him to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. According to DBFR, hospital staff tried to resuscitate Brockus for more than an hour before pronouncing him dead at 9:19 p.m. DBFR Lt. Dennis Knudson said Brockus and his roommate moved to Vista Street about a year ago, living just a couple of blocks from the scene of the accident. Knudson said people should be prepared to abandon personal belongings such as kites, cell phones or pieces of clothing rather than risk their lives to retrieve them. "These are just things," he said. "They can be replaced but your life can't be. Don't risk your life for a thing." Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.