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"The world has lost a treasure," said his father Lyle, 56, of his son Craig Decker, who disappeared in the murky waters of Utah Lake on Saturday. His hands shook before a news conference Sunday near the lake. His six other children, many with tears in their eyes, stood close by as he read a written statement. Officers said they would continue the search until Craig Decker's body is found.
Lyle Decker and his wife Marie took a sailing trip with their son Saturday evening. Around 6:30 p.m., he jumped off their catamaran to retrieve an oar and never resurfaced.
Sunday, they remembered the Brigham Young University student for his love of music and as a leader with the Especially for Youth program of the Church of Jesus Christ Church of Latter-day Saints. He was studying neuroscience and planned to become a chiropractor.
They also remembered how he dealt with losing his right hand in a New Year's Eve 2007 fireworks accident. He designed his own hook-like prosthesis and recorded instructional videos teaching others how to do everyday things like open jars and tie shoes one-handed, then posted the videos on YouTube under the handle Captain Danger.
"He never thought of anything as a tragedy ... I'm trying to learn from how he dealt with tragedy," said his sister Emily Decker, a 31-year-old art student.
A storm forced searchers back to shore about 2 p.m. Sunday, seven hours after they started. They had located the oar and the young man's shoes using GPS equipment, but found no other signs of him. The silt at the bottom of the lake clouded water, confounding divers.
"Literally, you go down and you are blind," Utah Lake State Park manager Ty Hunter said.
About 60 officers from several agencies joined the search in the 10-foot water. Sonar was used in the search.
The water temperature was about 77 degrees Fahrenheit when Decker went under, said Utah County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Spencer Cannon. Decker was wearing his prosthetic.
He was a member of the BYU sailing team and knew how to swim, his parents said.
This guy was my EFY councilor a little while back. I've still got his email in my list. He sent all his boys out a letter when he lost his hand. Did it with an m-80, if I remember correctly. We never called him Craig. He told us to call him "Captain Danger." He was always pulling ridiculous stunts, and was somewhat accident-prone, though not clumsy. I've never seen anybody laugh harder at Brian Regan.
What his sister said was right, he never did view anything as a tragedy. Everything was always a learning experience from God, and he honestly believed that through and through. I'll have to find a copy of the letter and I'll add it to this post. Goodbye Craig. We love you.
