Washington Tourist Killed In Puerto Rico, Friends And Family Mourn

Travis Forney, a soccer coach from Washington state, died in Puerto Rico and was found last Tuesday. The tourist was discovered face down in the water at Steps Beach, located in the town of Rincon. Around the time of Forney’s death, a high surf advisory was issued, warning surfers of waves of at least 12 feet high. In that, authorities believe that the tourist was surfing at the time of his death.

In response, many of his friends and family have appreciated the support they have received thus far. In fact, an on-line fundraising effort was initiated immediately following Forney’s death, to cover the cost of his final affairs. The campaign raised over $16,000 in less than a week, with 26 days left to the effort itself.

Forney had assisted in coaching the boys and girls soccer team at Kentwood High School over the past couple of years and also worked as a construction manager for Huber Architects in Seattle.

In response to Forney’s death, according to Komo News, Joseph Stroomer, a longtime friend of Forney, gave light to the events leading up to his friend’s death and expressed his shock and disbelief as well.

“The strap from his board snapped, and the tide ended up just being too much for him to overcome … It’s hard to put into words. It’s just total [sic] and completely shocking.”

Although Forney did not have a chance to say goodbye to his loved ones, friends and family will always remember him for his passion for life.

Stroomer further expressed his love for his friend by stating that “every day, he (Forney) brought this fervor and thirst for life with him everywhere he went.”

[Featured Imaged Courtesy of Al Bello/Getty Images]