Nelson Barger Memorial Page 
August 9th, 1960 - July 13th, 2004
The following article is taken from www.wvec.com
ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. (AP) -- A Chesapeake man solo diving in the St. Lawrence River drowned when he became entangled in a sunken ship he was exploring, state police said.
The body of Nelson H. Barger, 43, was recovered Tuesday from about 39 feet of water after another diver discovered him trapped in the shipwreck.
The Watertown Daily Times reports Barger, a Master scuba diver, was exploring the "Islander," located in Alexandria Bay., a popular destination for divers.
Police divers recovered Barger's body from a confined space in the ship.
Barger's friends in Hampton Roads told WVEC.com he was an experienced diver.
J.T. Barker, known as Capt. J.T., told WVEC.com that Barger was a terrific diver. "Nelson was an avid, highly experienced scuba diver. He loved shipwreck diving and collecting artifacts."
Barker also believes Barger's experience would have kept him alive, if survival was possible. "While he is being blamed for his own death for solo diving, I think a little closer look would show that the wreck collasping on him is the cause of his death and chances are that, if he could not free himself, neither could his buddy if he had one."
WVEC.com also has learned that Barger had been actively involved in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Response System, which was created after the 9-11 attacks.
"He served on many committees, evaluating WMD (weapons of mass destruction) medical response equipment and training area hospital personnel in WMD emergency preparedness, said Bill Ginnow, Program Manager for HRMMRS. "It's very sad and unfortunate."
He'd been involved with HRMMRS for about three years, Ginnow added.
Anne Keffer with Sentara Norfolk General confirmed to WVEC.com that Barger was a registered nurse in the hospital's burn trauma unit. He'd been an employee there for 13 years and was a 2001 Sentara Ambassador award winner.
According to the Web site, in 2001, "We recognize him today for his commitment to the homeless in our community. During the horrible flood that devastated the city of Franklin, Nelson worked tirelessly to help rebuild and repair homes and assisted with cleaning up the debris throughout the city. And if that wasn't enough, he solicited donations to help with these restoration efforts. Nelson also assists with the homeless ministry at St. Mary's church. Nelson represents the good at Sentara and is always willing to share his time and resources with those in need." Associated Press contributed to this report.
Additional News Articles on Nelson Barger:
Comments from Nelson's Circle of Friends:
"Nelson was a great person and it was my honor to have known him." Will Jones 7/26/04
"When I received word about Nelson's death, it was a hammer blow. I've dealt with death many times in the past, and have always reasoned that it's just part of life. This death is not reasonable, it's tragic. Nelson didn't make friends easily, but the ones he made will outlast this life. He had an adventurous soul. Nothing was too far, too high, too deep, or too dangerous. Many people go through life without truely living. Nelson may have been lacking in many things, but life wasn't one of them. I have been blessed with his friendship and love. We had many adventures together, I look forward to our adventures to come. Aloha Little Buddy." Rod Godfrey 8/24/04
"Today 9/14/04 is the first time I was able to bring myself to watching Nelson's Memorial Service. I was not aware of Nelson's involvement for emergency response work in the Hampton Roads Area. I bet he was very good at organizing the events and checking the details needed. Nelson was that way with everything. Nelson was a difficult person to understand for many people. I'm sure he made many enemies for the positions he took, but you know what? He was probably right, and would not back down. Nelson may have been small in body build, but he made up for it in his intelligence and determination. I had not seen Nelson for some time, but I ALWAYS knew that if I needed him, he would be there for me. If you were on his "A" list, there wasn't a thing he would not do for you. It was just a given. Ask Nelson, and it would get done right the first time! Nelson loved being underwater more than anything. He was at peace with himself there. I was in shock to hear of Nelson's death. Especially how he died diving alone. He broke the golden rule of never diving by yourself. Too bad we have to pay the price for it.I, my wife Linda (Nelson's buddy too), and I'm sure the 3rd Amigo Rod G. will miss you. May you rest in peace." Dan Waldenga 9/14/04
