'They found my dad. I am still in awe and don’t know how to feel.'
Tom Erndt, then 10 years old, was on a nighttime family boating excursion on the Colorado River reservoir on Aug. 2, 2002 when his father, Thomas Erndt, playfully jumped into the water. Known by his loved ones for being a jokester, the family first thought he was playing a prank when he began to struggle to stay afloat..
By the time the Erndt family was back in cell phone range and in touch with 911, Thomas Erndt had disappeared below the surface. Despite efforts to locate him, he wasn't found, and he was declared dead at 42. For 20 years, the body of the Las Vegas father remained hidden from view. But in early May, as the waters of Lake Mead receded from the shoreline, a set of bones were discovered.on Tom Erndt's Instagram, several weeks ago he was contacted by the Clark County coroner's office. Investigators had been combing through reports of deaths at the lake where the body never surfaced, and Tom's father was on their list. They asked Tom for a DNA sample, which he and his sister provided.
"They found my dad," Tom posted on Instagram."I am still in awe and don’t know how to feel. It’s all not real to me and I need to have it sink in. I am grateful for the news and it’s still not my closure but it will come and I am glad he is at peace. Dad I love you with all my heart and you will always be by my side."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South SF Man Says Receding Lake Mead Waters Unraveled 20 Year Mystery of His Dad's DisappearanceThe receding waters of Lake Mead near Las Vegas have brought a glimpse of closure for Tom Erndt, 31, of South San Francisco. The receding waters of Lake Mead near Las Vegas have brought a glimpse of closure for Tom Erndt, 31, of South San Francisco.
Read more »
Remains found in Lake Mead identified as College Hill man, officials sayThomas Erndt was with his family on their annual trip to Lake Mead on August 2, 2002, when he disappeared.
Read more »
World War II Relics And Hunger Stones Emerge In European DroughtLake Mead isn't the only body of water giving up its secrets. Much of Europe is experiencing extreme drought, too.
Read more »
12 Famous People Who Grew Up Rich, And 12 Who Are Actually Self-MadeI was today years old when I learned Sigourney Weaver’s dad was the president of NBC.
Read more »
Police ID man accused of stealing vehicle with 4 kids inside in Lake WorthLake Worth police said they have identified the suspect who stole a vehicle with four children inside earlier this month.
Read more »
Police video of fatal encounter shows lack of de-escalationThe Salt Lake City Police Department has released body-camera footage of a struggle between police officers and an unarmed man, who wound up dead.
Read more »