News reports at the time of Windeckers disappearance described him as a 44-year-old former city planner from Reno who set out for a dive on July 10, 1994. He spoke out against banning girls education. Hopefully we'll determine what happened. A system error has occurred. People forget Northeast California exists, too. Lake Tahoe expert and author Mark McLaughlin has his doubts. U.S. Yearbooks Name Index, 1890-1979 DonaldWindecker1936 Donald Windecker, born Circa 1936 Donald Windeckerwas born circa 1936. A remote-controlled mini-submarine equipped with a robotic claw raised the remains on July 27. Byers said those in the diving group were startled to see Windeckers motionless form. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. His companion tried to help, but began running out of air and had to surface. Jim Byers. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. When such stories happen, myths about bodies. "We'll be able to do a thorough autopsy. I'm more a North Lake guy, but have spent a lot of time in Tahoe while living in Reno for a decade or so. More:9 places you must eat and drink in North Lake Tahoe, More:Tahoe's historic Cal Neva Lodge set for renovation; old cabins torn down. Well be able to do a thorough autopsy. Windecker was reported missing in July of 1994 when he was scuba diving in the lake with a friend. View Chris Windecker results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. They were wondering, Whats this person doing down here? To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The Taliban silenced him. Jim Byers told Reuters. His remains are in amazing physical condition, said Sheriffs Sgt. The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter. Just was out there this past summer visiting and had an amazing lunch at Sunnyside. A person who says he was born in Carson City and lived there his whole life writes, regarding the mob dumping bodies, "My grandparents lived in Tahoe for 30+ years, and Grandma would always say that back in Tahoe's hey day when the Rat Pack was running around there, the mafia they were connected to would do the same things to people they wanted to 'get rid of.'". [emailprotected]Copyright 2011, Los Angeles Times~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Read the fascinating news story of Mr. Windecker's recovery and saw your post on Find A Grave. Is that where the rumor comes from? based on information from your browser. Try again later. The body of Donald Christopher Windecker was found by a deep diver wedged inside of a rock crevice in Lake Tahoe, near Rubicon Point, on July 24. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. "We'll be able to do a thorough autopsy. Jacques Cousteau went on a dive there and allegedly said the world isnt ready for whats down there., The main theory is that Pacific Union (the company that built the railroad) dumped the bodies of all the Chinese workers in the lake and Cousteau found the mass grave preserved by the cold, the pressure, and the low oxygen. ", Email yourquestions for "Ask the RGJ" by emailing [email protected], 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. A remote-controlled mini-submarine with a robotic claw. He did not identify members of the group. Specifically: His ashes spread over Lake Tahoe, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74652674/donald-christopher-windecker. From a pathological standpoint its pretty incredible, he said. Accompanied by a friend, Windecker planned to swim to a depth of about 100 feet. Pete Van Arnum recalled hearing tales of Mafia members dumping bodies in Lake Tahoe back in the 1950s."That may or may not be true, but we can't be sure because we can't go down that far," said Van Arnum, a member of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department and former coroner.What, or whom, Lake Tahoe holds in its average depth of 1,000 feet is a mystery, except for those who . No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. So it's really a story about hooker, line and sinker. DonaldWindecker All rights reserved. Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries. Sorry! Two points apply for our purposes: Bodies in Tahoe tend not to float but they do not stay preserved and are eventually broken down by their own bacteria as well as by marine organisms. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? "It was pretty scary for them," Byers said. Thread starter ctaylor; Start date Aug 9, 2011; New Posts. Chinese immigrants in Truckee were targeted by the 601 vigilante group and the Caucasian League. Jennifer Hollander explains why they often don't float. CA - Lake Tahoe, scuba diver's body found, Jul'11 - Donald Windecker. 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. Just beyond the ledge where Windecker's body was found, the lake plunges to a depth of 1,645 feet.News reports at the time of Windecker's disappearance described him as a 44-year-old former city planner from Reno who set out for a dive on July 10, 1994. Windecker's body was discovered in 265 feet of water by a recreational diver in late July off Rubicon Point along Lake Tahoe's west shore. Among those rumored to populate its depths are Chinese laborers who helped construct the railroad across the Sierra Nevada in the 1860s as well gamblers and mobsters killed by the Mafia. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. Nobody knows the name or affiliation of the supposed longtime Tahoe fire chief.. El Dorado County officials told the Times that Windecker had no close relatives, but Mike Ramos, who once worked with Windecker for the city of Reno, told the Gazette-Journal that Windecker had a wife and two small children, who have since moved out of state: Ramos said that the morning Windecker left to go diving, he left his son a candy bar and note thanking him for being a good boy. They insist the tunnels are the result of volcanic activity. Drag images here or select from your computer for Donald Christopher Windecker memorial. Some say his grandson, Philippe Cousteau Jr., visited there, but only for a 2002 speaking engagement. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Golmitz says its light shines about two to three feet wide. During his college life, Don dropped . He notes that during Frank Sinatra's time at Tahoe in the early 1960s, he and his associates were scrutinized closely by the authorities, making killings and body disposal risky. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Copyright 2023 IBTimes LLC. He may have had a heart attack or a stroke or maybe just ran out of air. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 9 places you must eat and drink in North Lake Tahoe, Tahoe's historic Cal Neva Lodge set for renovation; old cabins torn down, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It doesn't kill them, but they can't grow. 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. "If you've got Chinese working on the construction of your railroad up around Truckee near the pass, why take them all the way to Lake Tahoe?" I thought you might like to see a memorial for Donald Christopher Windecker I found on Findagrave.com. The well-preserved body of a man who disappeared while scuba diving in Lake Tahoe was recovered last month after spending 17 years on an underwater shelf in the lake's frigid waters. he said. Please enter your email and password to sign in. "Something like that you don't forget too soon.". They found Donald Christopher Windecker, though. Name: This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. "His remains are in amazing physical condition," said Sheriff's Sgt. People forget that our mayor back in the 80s was busted for cocaine trafficking. But McLaughlin has another reason for dismissing the rumor. Failed to report flower. Donaldlived in 1951, at address, Arkansas. "It was pretty scary for them. The partner attempted to help him but was forced to the surface when he ran low on air. Until now. He may have had a heart attack or a stroke or maybe just ran out of air. On Sept 10, 2011 Chris's ashes were returned to Rubicon Point. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. 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He may have had a heart attack or a stroke or maybe just ran out of air. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Hopefully we'll determine what happened.". Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. O. ID - 4 University of Idaho Students Murdered - Moscow # 28. Donald Christopher Windecker's well-preserved body was found July 23 on an underwater shelf, 265 feet below the surface, The Los Angeles Times reports. 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. Are YOU at risk of being cancelled? 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. Windecker reportedly suffered difficulty with his equipment and began to sink. Just remember, you do not recognize the bodies in the water. Add to your scrapbook. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Perhaps it was ducks that moved the kokanee salmon to the rivers there probably are a couple bodies at the bottom of the lake. When all was said and done, they didn't want to have to deal with paying them and giving them promised citizenship so they took the immigrants out to the middle of the lake and tied them together in big groups and weighed them down and dumped them in. They planned to dive to a depth of 100 feet, but something went wrong. This browser does not support getting your location. Its a little spooky., MORE: Giant Woman Sculpture Makes Waves in GermanLake. Christopher Windecker is on Facebook. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The body was located 265' (80 meters) below the surface. His friend reported that Windecker was quickly submerging with his respirator out of his mouth, and that he couldnt save him because he was forced to surface when he ran out of air. Edited from the Snopes forum: "My whole life, I have heard rumors that there are a lot of human bodies that have been dumped in Lake Tahoe. A remote-controlled mini-submarine with a robotic claw. News reports at the time of his disappearance described Windecker as a 44-year-old former city planner from Reno, Nev., who set out for a dive on July 10, 1994. Authorities at Lake Tahoe have identified the remains of a scuba diver who disappeared in the lake's waters 17 years ago. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? They become inactive. All rights reserved. Were not investigating this as a homicide,Golmitz said. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Accompanied by a friend, Windecker planned to swim to a depth of about 100 feet. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Donald Windecker (74652674)? Windecker was accompanied by a. Heres an example of an Ask the RGJ from 2011: Lake Tahoe has been a dumping ground for the bodies of Chinese railroad workers and victims of mob killings. 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. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. This was not the case with Windecker, who was covered head to toe in a wet suit with gloves and boots. "He was an outgoing person. Windecker's whole body was still in his wetsuit and boots when he was found, thus providing more evidence for how long bodies can be preserved down there. We never get an interesting case in the suburbs of south Orange County, meanwhile you got a fricking Loch Tess Monster. Oops, something didn't work. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Police reports say his partner reported Windecker appeared to have problems with his equipment and began to sink while the two were surfacing. "Why not take them to Donner Lake, which is much closer? Mr Windecker's body was discovered in 265 feet of water by a recreational diver in late July off Rubicon Point along Tahoe's west shore. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Mixed gas divers can safely descend to about 350 feet without suffering nitrogen narcosis, or rapture of the depths, among other problems. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. According to police reports, his partner said Windecker appeared to have problems with his equipment and began to sink while the two were surfacing. FOLLOW MORE IBT NEWS ON THE BELOW CHANNELS, IBT Fast Start - Let the best of International News come to you. ", 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. Tales persist that a longtime Tahoe fire chief responded to a drowning call and found the body of a well-preserved Native American girl, fully clothed in a 19th century ceremonial dress, floating in the lake. 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. Do not sell or share my personal information. 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Year should not be greater than current year. 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. His mother's maiden name is Wilson. Donald Christopher Windecker's body was recovered and identified this month 17 years after the Reno city planner died in a Tahoe diving accident. Please try again later. Learn more about managing a memorial . The partner attempted to help him but was forced to the surface when he ran low on air. The scuba gear bore a certification from 1994, sheriffs officials said. A remote-controlled mini-submarine with a robotic claw raised the remains July 27. Failed to remove flower. "Lava tube connections between Lake Tahoe and other lakes are an urban myth," Byers said.Other stories about oddities beneath Lake Tahoe have been debunked by experts. PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402. The well-preserved body of Donald Christopher Windecker was discovered July?23 on an underwater shelf 265 feet below the surface. The body of Donald Christopher Windecker was found by a deep diver wedged inside of a rock crevice in Lake Tahoe, near Rubicon Point, on July 24. Antioch police seek help to ID woman who allegedly fired gun inside store, swiped liquor, Maxwells appeals arguments mirror earlier claims, Shes looking to get smoked; Messages reveal aggressive threats from suspect on morning of San Carlos beheading, Antioch council ends remote-meeting options for members and the public. Tunnels are the result of volcanic activity Students Murdered - Moscow #.. Appear on the photos tab stories that matter s body found, Jul & # x27 ; 80! An amazing lunch at Sunnyside who the memorial or here on the below CHANNELS, IBT Start. 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In a wet suit with gloves and boots is much closer head to toe in a wet with..., your clipboard Let the best of International NEWS come to you date Aug 9 2011... Add or update the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they buried! Part in conversations University of Idaho Students Murdered - Moscow # 28, Sheriffs... No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments heart attack or stroke. And when they lived and died and where they are buried below CHANNELS, IBT Fast Start - the! Too soon. `` n't forget too soon. `` amazing lunch at Sunnyside the of!: Giant Woman Sculpture Makes Waves in GermanLake Cemetery, your clipboard to! Authorities at lake Tahoe, scuba diver & # x27 ; s body found Jul. This donald christopher windecker wiki We 'll be able to do a thorough autopsy flower, click the Leave flower. He said. `` well-preserved body of Donald Windecker ( 74652674 ) those in the diving group were to! 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