CALEB WILLIS

Friday, April 27, 2007

Caleb Jordan Willis, 17, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2007, while wakeboarding at Spring Valley Lake in Victorville. He left this world doing what he loved. Caleb began wakeboarding at age 9. He was a member of the Spring Valley Lake and Canyon Lake wakeboard clubs. He also traveled throughout the United States competing at Nationals, Worlds and the Junior Pro Tour for the past several years. In 2004 he traveled to Sevilla, Spain, for the WWC Wakeboard Championships and placed eighth. He aspired to be a pro wakeboarder. He was an honor student at Sultana High School with many friends. He was drug free and encouraged many of his friends to be responsible in many ways. Caleb is in heaven with his mom. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Caleb is survived by his proud father, Big Mike; sisters Rachael and Rianna; brother Jamison; grandparents Stan and Nancy Willis and Boyce Woody; plus the many families that adopted him in their hearts. A viewing took place from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Victor Valley Mortuary, where people were able to come and see what his life was all about. Services will be held at 1 p.m. today at High Desert Church. Please wear casual clothing (no suits); board shorts and flip flops are acceptable. You can also honor Caleb and his family by going to www.myspace.com/wemissyoucaleb. The Caleb Jordan Willis Memorial fund has been established. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank location.

New's Article From Victor Valley Daily Press.

Wakeboarding injuries kill Victorville teen
By KATHERINE ROSENBERG
2007-04-20 23:36:00
VICTORVILLE — A 17-year-old died from injuries he suffered on Spring Valley Lake when attempting a wakeboarding stunt, officials said Friday.

Caleb Willis, 17, of Victorville was pronounced dead at Desert Valley Hospital about an hour
after he was injured, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Web site. Initial reports were that he struck his head on the board, officials said.

The accident was reported around 4:30 p.m. Thursday and deputies and paramedics were sent to the 18000 block of Pier Drive in Spring Valley Lake, said Sgt. Lon Jacobs of the Victor Valley station.

Deputy Ryan Gutierrez arrived within minutes and relieved bystanders — including Willis’ family — of CPR compressions, Jacobs said.

“Ryan said that at no time did the victim show signs of life,” Jacobs said. “CPR was constantly being administered.”

Although an air ambulance was called, as soon as American Medical Response arrived Willis was transported to Desert Valley Hospital where he died around 5:45 p.m.

“As far as I understand there was nothing criminal about it, they were just out enjoying lake recreationally,” Jacobs said.

Deputy Troy McComas from the Colorado River station was called to the area to conduct a fatal boating accident investigation, authorities said.

It is the second death on Spring Valley Lake this month. A 19-year-old drowned April 1 when boating after hours, officials said.

“This was just a horrific, tragic accident,” Jacobs said.

Caleb Willis

I have just received more terrible news. I really can not believe it right now, but I have to get it out of my head and put it into words. My sisters' former step-son, Caleb, was killed today while wake-boarding. He was 17 years old. I have not seen Caleb since my sisters divorce, several years ago, so when I think about him, I still see him as a young boy. I remember video taping him while wake-boarding so that he could see how much "air" he got. I remember the happy and proud look on his face when he watched the video. I am so sad for his father Mike, sister's Rachel and Rianna and younger brother Jamison. Rachel and Jamison have already lost their mother to cancer and Mike lost his wife. Now they must face this reality which is unbearable to think about. I can't help but cry for the loss of such a wonderful boy. I am so sad for my sister also, who loved him like her own son, and to my nephews and nieces who lived with him for many years. They have all lost someone very close to them and I know they are hurting right now. The world has lost another young life that was so promising. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. This is going to be the beginning of some very tough times for many people.
Goodbye Caleb, you will be missed, but you will remain in my heart and in the hearts of many others.