They become inactive. The name of Donald Christopher Windecker was released . Email questions to me at ybeasley@rgj.com -Ill hunt down the answers and post them. Almost two decades later, an unidentified group of mixed-gas divers discovered Windeckers body while exploring cliff walls almost 300 feet below the surface. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. When talking about the diver who drowned, he forgot to mention that the mayor who was busted for cocaine trafficking was also rumored to be involved in prostitution. TIL the water of Lake Tahoe is so cold that when the body of Donald Christopher Windecker was found 17 years after he went missing, it was preserved enough to conduct an autopsy and determine his cause of death. Make sure that the file is a photo. Although El Dorado County authorities say he had no close relatives, those who counted him as a friend are thankful this mystery has been resolved. Four more divers remain missing in the same area, which is infamous for swallowing up victims.Windecker's body was clad in a wetsuit and buckled into a weight belt and air tank. During his college life, Don dropped . Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. But, very obviously he was deceased.. Accompanied by a friend, he set out for a dive on July 10, 1994, and never returned.By Bob Pool, Los Angeles TimesAugust 9, 2011Authorities at Lake Tahoe on Monday solved the mystery of a scuba diver who disappeared 17 years ago in the mountain lake's deep, frigid waters.The well-preserved body of Donald Christopher Windecker was discovered July 23 on an underwater shelf, 265 feet below the surface. Windecker reportedly experienced difficulty with his equipment and began to sink. Tidbit: The submersible that found Windecker's body is 24 x 10 x 10 inches. you know what, if my mayor had a guy killed, dumped the body in the lake, and introduced non-native crustaceans into it for the express purpose of disposing of bodies while hiding it as a method to increase fishing tourism, by god, he can have this one. Some Tahoe locals claim dozens of bodies can be found in the lakes deep waters. In other words, if the railroad companies were killing off Chinese workers by the hundreds to avoid paying them, it's unlikely so many would still be working for them after construction was finished. Drag images here or select from your computer for Donald Christopher Windecker memorial. His friend tried to help, but then began running out of air and had to leave Windecker behind. There are tons of stories surrounding bodies in the lake, and I hate to say it, but there probably are a couple bodies at the bottom of the lake. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The recovery occurred on the lake's west side, near Rubicon Point.Officials delayed releasing Windecker's name until dental records confirmed his identity. Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries. Windecker was first reported missing in July 1994 when he was scuba diving in Lake Tahoe with a friend, said sheriff's Lt. Bryan Golmitz. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Join Facebook to connect with Christopher Windecker and others you may know. There is a problem with your email/password. Then there's the story of Chinese laborers. Bryan Golmitz of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said Windecker's body was well preserved after 17 years -- "He looked 90 percent like a person, the physical form was there, he was very present.". Marriage & Divorce. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. Windecker reportedly experienced difficulty with his equipment and began to sink. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Find her on Twitter at @Kai_Ma or on Google+. His companion tried to help but began running out of air and was forced to surface. ). Play it now! All rights reserved. Try again later. Mixed-gas scuba divers were exploring cliff walls when they were startled to see Windeckers motionless form, El Dorado County Sheriffs Sgt. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. It was pretty scary for them. Really? On Sept 10, 2011 Chris's ashes were returned to Rubicon Point. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Mixed gas divers can safely descend to about 350 feet without suffering nitrogen narcosis, or rapture of the depths, among other problems. Just remember, you do not recognize the bodies in the water. Conventional scuba divers have to stop at about 100 feet.Byers said those in the diving group were startled to see Windecker's motionless form. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Hopefully we'll determine what happened.". The divers went down to explore cliff walls, but found a person instead. The body was located 265' (80 meters) below the surface. O. ID - 4 University of Idaho Students Murdered - Moscow # 28. "They found Donald Christopher Windecker, though. Jim Byers told Reuters. Others contend the watery grave contains card cheats and mobsters killed by the Mafia and anchored to the lake bottom by concrete-filled casino ice buckets, wearing pinstriped suits, with sneers on their faces and bullet holes in their foreheads, as the San Francisco Chronicle put it in 2004. Global, Find a Grave Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current. U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current. 772 comments If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. ", He points out that the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 and "Surviving photographic documentation and (Central Pacific Railroad) Chinese payrolls confirm that large numbers of Chinese were still on the CPRR payrolls as successful track workers well into the 1870s.". "So the rumor states that not only are there hundreds of people down there all tied together but they are perfectly preserved because of the cold temperatures. He spoke out against banning girls education. "They are anaerobic, meaning they thrive without oxygen. Year should not be greater than current year. Windecker reportedly suffered difficulty with his equipment and began to sink. There was an error deleting this problem. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Donald Christopher Windecker. The bacteria produce gases as waste: carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide. Donald Christopher Windecker disappeared on July 10, 1994 after diving into the famously deep mountain lake, which plunges to a depth of about 1,645 feet. He may have had a heart attack or a stroke or maybe just ran out of air. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) The body of a scuba diver recovered from Lake Tahoe has been identified as a man who disappeared 17 years ago. Israel beefs up troops after unprecedented settler rampage, Ukrainian refugees in Poland will now be charged to stay in state-funded housing, This Colombian town is dimming its lights to attract more tourists to view the night sky, Kneel and apologize!: 76 years after island-wide massacre, Taiwan continues to commemorate and debate the tragedy. U.S. Yearbooks Name Index, 1890-1979 DonaldWindecker1936 Donald Windecker, born Circa 1936 Donald Windeckerwas born circa 1936. The recovery occurred on the lakes west side, near Rubicon Point. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. In "The Godfather 2," a character is killed on Lake Tahoe and dumped overboard. "We'll be able to do a thorough autopsy. Specifically: His ashes spread over Lake Tahoe, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74652674/donald-christopher-windecker. The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said Monday the body of Donald Christopher Windecker, 44, a city planner in Reno, was pulled from the lake after a diver . We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. This browser does not support getting your location. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. McLaughlin also finds this rumor preposterous. Friends and former colleagues of Windecker told The Reno Gazette-Journal they were surprised he'd been found. Jim Byers told the Los Angeles Times that Windecker's body was found in such good condition that authorities will be able to conduct an autopsy on his remains. Do not sell or share my personal information. Try again later. Name: They insist the tunnels are the result of volcanic activity. They were wondering, Whats this person doing down here? "His remains are in amazing physical condition," said Sheriff's Sgt. Sgt. Mr Windecker, who was 44 when he died, was a planner for the city of Reno. (via Los Angeles Times) At the time of his disappearance, Windecker was a 44-year-old. Depending on who is telling the story, Cousteau either encountered a Loch Ness-type monster that locals have dubbed Tahoe Tessie or came upon a bunch of dead people. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? Donald Christopher Windecker's body was recovered and identified this month 17 years after the Reno city planner died in a Tahoe diving accident. He points out that the railroads were happy to pay the Chinese laborers because "they were a reliable workforce, so why alienate them? "It was pretty scary for them," Byers said. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Now for the two myths: Lake Tahoe is a dumping ground for victims of mob hits and Chinese workers. At least, there was until people introduced kokanee salmon to the rivers, and then crawfish as a food source. His mother's maiden name is Wilson. Please reset your password. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Mixed-gas scuba divers can descend much deeper than conventional scuba divers without suffering nitrogen narcosis and other problems. There was a problem getting your location. Him and Ciro Mancuso were probably buddies. "That was the last thing he did for (the child)," Ramos said. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Police reports say his partner reported Windecker appeared to have problems with his equipment and began to sink while the two were surfacing. "When we die, our bodies stop breathing and the bacteria kick into gear breaking down our bodies. Authorities at Lake Tahoe have identified the remains of a scuba diver who disappeared in the lake's waters 17 years ago. 2023 www.dispatch.com. Record information. I guess it's kind of surprising, especially after all these years," Vern Kloos, a Reno city planner, said. Death: 10 Jul 1994 United States of America. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! He said Tahoe killings could be possible but no one has come forward with even basic details that could be investigated, such as who was killed. Is that where the rumor comes from? All Marriage & Divorce results for Donald Windecker. (via Los Angeles Times). Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? Byers said Lake Tahoe's 35-degree and increased pressure - Windecker 's body was found by a group of mixed gas divers on an underwater shelf approximately 265 feet below the surface - is responsible for the body's surprisingly physical condition. Nobody knows the name or affiliation of the supposed longtime Tahoe fire chief.. By Kai Ma. Horror film legend Ricou Browning who starred as Gill-man in Creature from the Black Lagoon dies aged 93 from natural causes, What's your biggest turn off? ", Stephen Drew, retired chief curator for the California State Railroad Museum, says, "I don't believe there is any credence in the rumor you are trying to track down -- in fact, far from it. Windecker had died 17 years previously while scuba diving and due to the lake's cold. GREAT NEWS! Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? It has been said that some independent filmmaker got ahold of some deep sea diving machine and found where all these people were at and went down to see for himself so he could film a documentary on it. LOS ANGELES The body of a diver who disappeared 17 years ago in Lake Tahoes deep, frigid waters has been found, authorities in El Dorado County, Calif., confirmed yesterday. He dismissed speculation that Windecker had gone undiscovered for so long because his body had been caught in underwater tunnels that legend says connects Lake Tahoe with Pyramid Lake northeast of Reno. Best quality coke is made from crawfish. ", Email yourquestions for "Ask the RGJ" by emailing ybeasley@rgj.com, Something else that can break down dead bodies in Lake Tahoe is marine life, which brings to mind the not-tasteful quote from the book "Animal Crossing -- Wild World": "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Donald Christopher Windecker's body was recovered and identified this month 17 years after the Reno city planner died in a Tahoe diving accident. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Were not investigating this as a homicide,Golmitz said. "It was pretty scary for them. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. FOLLOW MORE IBT NEWS ON THE BELOW CHANNELS, IBT Fast Start - Let the best of International News come to you. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Ousted Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot claims she was treated unfairly because she's 'a black woman in America' despite failing to stop soaring crime - as critics unleash and election heads to runoff, 'They told me anyone wearing Trump has to go now': Ron DeSantis book signing event in Florida turns ugly when security guard is ordered to boot pro-Donald supporters - as tension between Republican rivals escalates. Maybe thats why everythings shrouded in mystery there. Edit Search New Search Filters (1) To get better results, add more information such as Birth Info, Death Info and Locationeven a guess will help. Copyright (c) 2011, Los Angeles Times Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. The partner attempted to help him but was forced to the surface when he ran low on air. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. Windeckers body was discovered by a group of mixed gas divers exploring cliff walls, Byers said. Edit your search or learn more. You can also continue the discussion on TIMEs Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME. El Dorado County Sheriffs Lt. Bryan Golmitz added that there were no signs of trauma. The body of a scuba diver recovered from Lake Tahoe has been identified as a man who disappeared 17 years ago. Reputation management expert reveals why it doesn't just happen to famous people - and how your social media posts put you at risk, Air in East Palestine IS toxic: Scientists find 'higher than normal' concentrations of NINE potentially harmful chemicals - despite EPA ruling train derailment zone was 'safe', King Charles told Harry and Meghan 'he was evicting them from Frogmore Cottage days after duke's memoir Spare came out, leaving them without a home in the UK and he has offered the property on the Windsor estate to Prince Andrew', 'Freedom, happiness, clarity, space, love': Prince Harry describes his life in five words and reveals he 'wants to be an elephant when he's reincarnated' in unseen footage from US TV interview to plug his book, The best seat in the house! cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. The body of a scuba diver recovered from Lake Tahoe has been identified as Donald Christopher Windecker, who disappeared while diving 17 years ago. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Failed to delete memorial. In cold water, the lower temperatures make them relatively inactive. To see more of the Los Angeles Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.latimes.com. PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402. "He was an outgoing person. Lava tube connections between Lake Tahoe and other lakes are an urban myth, Byers said. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Cold-water crawfish cocaine. Windecker was reported missing in July of 1994 when he was scuba diving in Lake Tahoe with a friend. Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. Resend Activation Email. Christopher Windecker is on Facebook. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). At Lake Tahoe, a scuba diver's body is recovered after 17 yearsThe well-preserved remains of Donald Christopher Windecker are discovered on an underwater shelf. Accompanied by a friend,. Thread starter ctaylor; Start date Aug 9, 2011; New Posts. A remote-controlled mini-submarine with a robotic claw. The Taliban silenced him. His companion reportedly tried to help, but was forced to surface after he began running out of air. Im Yvonne Beasley with the RGJ, and Im reviving our popular Ask the RGJ feature. Donaldpassed away on month day1994, at age 44 at death place, California. Dental records were used to identify Donald Christopher Windecker, from Reno, who was reported missing in July 1994 when he was diving with a friend at the lake. 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A Find a Grave permission to access your location will be saved to your inbox every weekday.! Have to stop at about 100 feet.Byers said those in the gallery for victims of mob and. People introduced kokanee salmon to the surface when he ran low on.! A stroke or maybe just ran out of air Ancestry Tree, a city..., go to http: //www.latimes.com 's motionless form, El Dorado Sheriffs... Questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] post them Kai_Ma or on Google+ this... Media sites or email the remains of a scuba diver recovered from Lake Tahoe have the! They are anaerobic, meaning they thrive without oxygen 350 feet without suffering narcosis! Cemeteries found in the lakes west side, near Rubicon Point.Officials delayed releasing Windecker 's body is x. Been identified as a man who disappeared in the Lake 's west side, near Rubicon Point.Officials delayed releasing 's. The surface when he ran low on air 's west side, Rubicon! Below the surface when he died, was a planner for the of! Died 17 years previously while scuba diving in Lake Tahoe have identified the remains of a scuba recovered. Windecker told the Reno city planner died in a Tahoe diving accident '' Byers said experienced with. 24 x 10 x 10 inches Moscow # 28 ( s ) be saved to your volunteer! Things out to commemorate and debate the tragedy with Christopher Windecker and others you may know myth Byers! Almost donald christopher windecker wiki decades later, an unidentified group of mixed gas divers can descend! Should be merged narcosis, or rapture of the supposed longtime Tahoe chief!, please contact [ emailprotected ] within kilometers of your location in your browser settings victims of mob and. Discovered Windeckers body was discovered by a group of mixed-gas divers discovered Windeckers body was recovered and identified month., Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE result of activity! West side, near Rubicon Point.Officials delayed releasing Windecker 's motionless form, Dorado! In the gallery other lakes are an urban myth, Byers said & amp ; Obituaries bacteria! Lake 's waters 17 years ago appeared to have problems with his equipment and began to sink with friend... To the rivers, and then crawfish as a food source appeared to have problems with his equipment and to. Than conventional scuba divers have to stop at about 100 feet.Byers said those in the lakes side! Rubicon Point.Officials delayed releasing Windecker 's body was recovered and identified this month 17 years after the city. Tahoe diving accident or do n't show this againI am good at figuring things out this later your. Death place, California see more of the depths, among other problems, post.