Community Corner

Kayaker's Death a Tragic Loss to Family, Friends, Community

A recap of the top 10 stories of 2012 remembers 24-year-old Peter Dougherty, who died while kayaking in March.

Editor's note: Looking back on 2012, there were a lot of ups and downs experienced by the Port Washington and Saukville community.

While the good times are often easier to remember, it's important to also take note of the tragic events that mold the community and bring its members together — and to never let go of the memories of those we have lost, who meant so much.

This series of Top 10 stores in Port Washington and Saukville takes a look at some of the most memorable moments here this year. The top 10 stories were chosen based on qualifications such as the number of readers on an article and the amount of Facebook "likes" or "recommendations" it had, as well as community impact — among other considerations.

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The No. 5 story remembers 24-year-old Peter Dougherty, who died while kayaking on Lake Michigan in March. Witnesses first noticed Dougherty just 300 yards east of the lighthouse and called emergency personnel; he was pulled into a rescue craft and rescuers administered CPR. He was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

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Friends and family described Dougherty as an all-around accepting person who would reach out as far as he could to help anyone in need.

"I learned more from Peter than I think I taught him," said Rocco Dougherty Sr., Peter's father.

"Co-existence, peace, harmony — it's things where I know I mentioned (those ideas), but there was a point in time when he was a teenager, a young adult, where I'm going, 'Wow — who taught him that?'"

Peter Dougherty's friends and family also recall the extreme bond between the man and his cat, as well as the way he touched numerous lives. Read more of his story.


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