State Rep's Toddler Dies After Being Pulled From Pool
Windham police were informed just after 3:30 a.m.
WINDHAM, NH -- UPDATE 1:24 P.M. In the wake of the apparent drowning death of a local state representative's 3-year-old daughter, friends are doing what they can to help Rick Okerman's family during the grieving process.
Rep. David Bates, also of Windham, said that the Southern N.H. 9-12 Project is combining with the Crossing Life Church to help arrange meals for Okerman and his family members.
Crossing Life is run by Windham resident Shawn Foster.
"It's obviously a horrible tragedy – we're trying to be there for Rick and his family," Bates said. "The Crossing Life Church and the members of our 9-12 group are going to start pitching in. Obviously the kids and family need to continue to be taken care of."
Windham Police were informed at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Monday that Gabriella Okerman died after being pulled from a family pool on Sunday afternoon.
Since learning of Gabriella's death, Bates has spoken directly with Okerman's mother-in-law and House Speaker William O'Brien.
Bates explained that the family is "understandably keeping everyone at a distance right now."
As for the rest of the New Hampshire General Court, Bates said that the incident impacts even those who weren't close with Okerman.
"Obviously Rick wasn't close friends with all 424 members, but we're all part of the same group, the same body, and that is a connection there that makes this much more close to home than just reading about a stranger's tragedy in the paper," Bates said.
Windham Rep. Charlie McMahon and his wife Kim also issued condolences to the Okerman family:
It is with sincere sorrow that we learn of the tragic loss of the Okerman family's beloved daughter, Gabriella. We cannot fathom the pain the family now suffers in bearing this loss but pray they find the strength to withstand this terrible event. Our family stands ready to assist in any way we can to sustain the family through this most difficult of times.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Bruce Breton said that he has known Okerman for eight or nine years with both serving on the town's Planning Board together.
"I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of Rick's daughter," Breton said.
He called Okerman an upstanding citizen who is very family-oriented.
Note: An "Okerman Family Memorial Fund" was established by David Bates on Monday afternoon through Citizens Bank in an effort to help offset funeral costs.
Bates said that people can make contributions by depositing money into the fund at any Citizens Bank location or by sending checks made out to the fund to the Windham location at 115 Indian Rock Road; Windham, NH; 03087.
AN EARLIER STORY FOLLOWS
Windham police have announced that the toddler pulled from a backyard pool in Windham on Sunday has died.
According to a release from Windham Police Capt. Mike Caron, the department was informed of the death just after 3:30 a.m.
Windham Patch reported last night that Windham Police and Fire responded to a 3-year-old who had been pulled from a pool. At the time, it was indicated to officials that she had been in the water for about five minutes.
The address, 3 Marblehead Road, is listed as the home of State Representative Richard Okerman, and WMUR has since confirmed with Okerman's grandfather that the girl is his daughter.
The Eagle Tribune identified the daughter this morning as Gabriella Okerman. The paper also reported that she has two siblings – a sister named Michaela and a brother named Nick.
Windham police did not have any additional information on the incident. It remains under investigation by members of the department.
This is the second drowning in Windham in less than a month. A 41-year-old man was pulled from Canobie Lake in late June and was later pronounced dead.
House Speaker William O'Brien issued this statement on the passing of Representative Okerman's daughter:
"It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rep. Rick Okerman’s daughter. Words cannot describe the unspeakable tragedy of losing one’s child and how it forever changes the parents who have been affected. The House of Representatives will keep Rick and his family in our thoughts and prayers at this heartbreaking time for them. As a parent and a grandparent, I can only imagine the pain for them and how much they need our support right now.”
Windham Republican Committee Chair Travis Blais said that he has known Okerman for about five years, and added that their kids are similar in age.
"I see them at the schools, at the Strawberry Festival," Blais said.
Blais called the incident a tragedy that "breaks the heart of all Windham families."
"I know our town will come together as a community to support the Okerman Family in this time of unimaginable distress, Blais added. "Whatever they need, let's please be there."
Salem Rep. Ron Belanger, who serves in Rockingham District 4 with Okerman and all the other Salem and Windham representatives, said he was "devastated" by the news of Okerman's loss.
"No one can imagine what goes through the mind of a mother and father after something like this," said Belanger, who has known Okerman for about six years.
Belanger lauded Okerman as a "very good representative and Republican" for the people of Windham and Salem.
"All of the hearts of the 400 representatives as well as the Senate are with (the Okerman family)," Belanger said.
Windham resident Ken Eyring, who has known Okerman for about two years and worked with him to recently start up the Southern N.H. 9-12 Project in town, said he was "at a loss for words" regarding the news.
"(My family and I) hope that they find a way to get through this difficult time," Eyring said of Okerman and his family.
--
CORRECTION: An earlier edition of this story read that police and fire officials pulled the 3-year-old girl from the pool.
It was supposed to read that she was out of the pool when officials arrived. Police or fire did not indicate who found the girl or pulled her from the pool.
Lori Silverwatch
9:56 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
So so sad. My condolences and sympathies to Mr. Okerman's family and friends.
Belinda Sinclair
10:24 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the Okerman family and friends.
Lisa Driscoll
10:28 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I'm so very sad for all of you. This is so awful. I'm so sorry. :(
Debbie Mackenzie
10:47 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
May God wrap His loving arms around the Okerman family during this time of grief and always!
David Ellis
10:54 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
So sad!! Condolences to the whole family!
Dave
11:18 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Extremely sad, our condolences. Reminds each of us to go home and hug our kids a little harder tonight.
Suzanne
12:36 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
We are so saddened to hear of your loss of Gabriella. Know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you during this grievous time and always.
Cousin Suzanne
Brenda Huxley
1:22 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
My heart breaks. My deepest condolences and sympathy to the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Ryan
2:36 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
The most recent comment has been deleted for violation of our Terms of Use. In the wake of this incident, this is not the forum for any attacks on Rep. Okerman's politics. These comments will be closely monitored and any similar attacks will be promptly removed.
Kathy
4:20 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you Michael...
rob
2:53 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Sorry, I meant the Patch's views were absolutely irrelevant. And by the way, that isn't a comment on Okerman's politics, it's a comment on his character.
lita
11:26 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
What you don't seem to understand is that this is not about commenting on his character. It is about the loss of a child. Please find someone who can explain this simple thing to you, as you seem to be incapable of getting it on your own.
Rebecca
12:32 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
How cruel to be judging anyone who is going through something so horrible and tragic Obviously you need to reevaluate your own character!!!
Dan Love
4:01 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Rob, How dare you question the character of Mr. Okerman, who willingly and voluntarily gave of himself to serve the people of Windham and Salem. I am sure your post called into question your own character. Why dont you try some self examination, a moral inventory of yourself, admit your faults and make restitution for the harms you and your character have caused others
Michael Ryan
2:53 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
A second comment from the same user has been similarly removed for violation of our Terms of Use. A third comment will result in account termination. I ask users to consult our terms, which I have linked to below:
http://windham.patch.com/terms
Debbie Mackenzie
2:56 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you, Mike! That was absolutely horrible! In times of tragedy, it doesn't matter your political view or personal opinion of someone. Those lines should be dropped. It just shows the intelligence level and lack of empathy that people like that have. I feel sorry for them that they feel the need to publicly hate on someone who is facing such tragedy in their lives. I'm not a political person, but you have to hold this family in prayer and thought during this horrible tragedy in their lives. Shame on the haters!
Michael Ryan
2:59 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Rob -- character attack or political attack, this is not the forum or the time for any of that. As mentioned in my above note, a third comment like that and you will be removed from the site.
Debbie Mackenzie
3:04 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
It is absolutely dispicable that you can fathom it ok to right such words towards someone going through such tragedy! I would love to meet you face to face! I am not a politcial person and have no opinion one way or the other. Lucky for you, only the people who have already posted on this news piece have read what you posted. I am ashamed of you, really! It is YOUR character that you should be scrutinizing! I couldn't be more embarrassed for you, Rob, whoever you are!
H2OsChild
4:29 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your daughter, Gabriella. There are no words for such sorrow. My thought are with the family and friends, I hope you find comfort and strength in each other.
Martha
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
May her soul rest in peace & may our prayers give the strength to her family during this most difficult and trying time in their lives!
On another note, it is not fair for you to criticize someone for asking common-sense questions. The questions are relevant and legitimate. This person did express her sympathy.
In NJ there have been several pool deaths of young children within the past month. In another state, a woman claimed she took a nap for over 4 hours while her 2 children drowned. The reality of the matter is this for ANY drowning of a young child even without an investigation.....if the child were being properly watched/supervised, the drowning would not occur...it is as simple as that! People do not like to hear it, but it is the truth!
Donna Sue Stephens
5:37 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Good for you Michael Ryan , and thank you for handling Rob-
a heartless person
Dee
5:37 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Okerman family. My family's thoughts are with you all in this trying, tragic time.
KR
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Michael Ryan? Really? Now you think you can dictate/mandate people's responses? Ever hear of the First Amendment, pal? Listen, it's not your place to make "time & place" arguments regarding people's comments. As long as their comments are not vulgar, defamatory, libelous or other, you have absolutely ZERO right to censor their comments. I don't have to agree with them. Neither do you. But that gives you NO right to impose your own arbitrary and capricious standard. How dare you! The last time I checked, Herr Goebbels, this was STILL America.
lita
11:35 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
So many people, in their willful ignorance, cite the fourth amendment where it does not apply. (The government is not censoring anyone here.) Owners of a web site, however, have the right to purge the garbage posted by insensitive, hateful boors any time they wish. Your comment is rife with ignorance--a state in which you sound most comfortable. How sad.
Ken Eyring
10:12 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Thank you Michael for your common sense and decency.
Anne Talley
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
To all those who are judging about neglect or not paying attention to this child I say that you have no idea of the specific circumstances surrounding this child's death and/or the parents circumstances. I hope you are a perfect person to be judging the tradgedy of perfect strangers to you. You are RIDICULOUS and sad!! To the Okerman family, my sincere condolences and may God watch over you and bring you through this terrible tradgedy.{{{{{hugs}}}}
Mary Eberhard
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
I am a little bit confused about something on here.I agree that this is not the place for political views or guestions about the curcumstances of this incident , however every story I have ever read on here about the death of a child has had rude, insensitive people making mean remarks and saying horrrible things about the parents who have lost a child. Yet for some reason because of who this parent is we have someone on here actually monitering and controlling what gets through and what doesn't? I would suggest that all parents deserve this type of protection against idiots and not just the Okerman family. I am deeply sorry for your loss , God bless your family at this tragic time.
Michael Ryan
10:12 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you for your comment Mary, but I would have to disagree. I can't speak for other Patch websites, but on Windham Patch I have always monitored for rude, insensitive or unwarranted remarks. If you can send me examples, I will check on them, determine whether they violate our Terms of Use, and if they do I will delete them right away. Users also have the ability to flag comments that they consider inappropriate, which I can make a final call on.
Emile Bilodeau
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
So sad, thoughts of strength and condolences to all the family and effected friends.
Having lost a son, This is the worst feeling ever.
But life does continue.
and you never do forget. You move on, more or less.
peace and calm to you and your family….
David Ellis
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
I am glad that the personal and political attacks have been deleted. It is nice to see the comments monitored unlike other news papers where the comment sections turn into wars. This is a very rough time for the Okerman family right now, and they need all the support they can recieve. It is a tragedy and also a reminder to the rest of us to make sure we kiss our loved ones every day, as you never know when tragidy can take place.
Mary Smith
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Can they not afford funeral arrangements themselves? It just seems that the money collected could go to a charity or scholarship fund that people IN NEED could use.
Rebecca
12:52 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I really think that is none of your business! But i guess you did not read the article correctly, it stats that someone else started it not the Okermans and im pretty sure that is the last thing on their mind right now if they are even aware of it.
margaret crisler
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
What a horrible tragedy! My very deepest sympathies are with Rick and his family at this terrible time.
heidi
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
You should have been watching the child it would not have happened.
lita
11:35 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
I am moved by your ability to empathize.
Dan Love
4:01 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Heidi, you are someone who cant understand normal thinking. You obviously do not have children who sometimes go out of the view of the parents.
Donna Thomas
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
I am constantly amazed at how hearttless our society has become. To say that these parents were neglectful is unforgiveable. I pray you never have a tradegy in your life that people can turn against you. No one deserves that not even you. May God help you curb your tongue and cruel thoughts. My prayers are with the Okerman family.
Anne Talley
11:52 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Amen Donna!
Rebecca
12:52 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Well said Donna!!
Katherine Akerman
3:46 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
My very thoughts as I read some of these cruel comments. Thank you. Kathy, Rick's cousin
Bonnie
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
This is such a common epidemic, ecspecially in the summer months. I live in Florida, and it seems that at least one toddler or child drowns in a family pool once a week. My own niece died at age 3 at a hotel swimming pool, where everyone thought that someone else was watching her.....so tragic! It can happen to anyone, and even when you try to take the right precautions, accidents still happen. The death of a child is not how the cycle of life is supposed to proceed. My condolences to all families who have lost a child, to any circumstance.
Bonnie
9:48 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
And one more thing...of course people want to know the circumstances, to make themselves feel better I guess, trying to point the finger to "who"was careless, or "why" was the child here or there....IT DOES NOT MATTER!! Accidents happen to anyone at anytime!!! Save your words of cautious wisdom when you are being interviewed by St. Peter.......
Anne Talley
11:52 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Amen Bonnie!
Michael Ryan
10:05 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Hi Rick, I think I can help with your questions. This is the second story on this -- yesterday's version explained that the toddler was transported to the hospital after 4:30 p.m., meaning she was in the hospital when police were informed she had died at approximately 3:30 p.m.
In follow-up we will try to find out who did pull the girl from the water.
To your question of the toddler being pulled from the pool by police/fire, that was my error and I have posted a correction above. The earlier version from yesterday dictated correctly that she was already pulled from the pool (by a person who police have not yet indicated). This version was misprinted and I have corrected it to be accurate. Thank you for the catch.
Michael Ryan
10:05 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
3:30 a.m.* it should say above.
Michael Ryan
10:09 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Also, I'll ask that users not attack fellow users on this thread, or I will not approve those comments.
To the comment from KR: our Terms of Use clearly dictates that Patch, and only Patch, makes the determination as to whether content is acceptable for the service. I deemed the prior comments of the day inappropriate for this forum, and they were deleted.
KR
11:53 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Mr. Ryan: it seems very clear to me that you still don't get it. You still seem to erroneously believe that you and you alone are the final arbiter of what does and does not constitute proper commentary. That shocking level of hubris, especially in one just 22 years old, is profoundly disappointing. I have also reviewed Patch's Terms of Service and may I suggest you do so as well. It clearly states the primary concern regards commentary that is: “defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane or offensive.”
If someone commenting here wishes to address the responsibility of the parents, or elects to reference any other aspect of this tragic situation, especially given that a public servant is involved; that is wholly within their right as an exercise of their First Amendment prerogatives. Any public servant worth his/her salt would acknowledge that, just as any “journalist” worth his salt would already know it.
You may edit as the TOS requires. Beyond that, it is neither your job, not your right, to censor beyond it according to your own whims or some arbitrary standard that you alone maintain for what you "deem" should or shouldn’t be said and when. There appears to be much you still need to learn about journalism. But I’ll simply urge you to exercise due restraint and not infringe upon the public’s right to speak its mind - even when you or others may disagree with their commentary. Failing at that, damages the very credibility of this forum and those who sponsor it.
Dee
10:24 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
@ Rick... it doesn't say public safety personnel pulled her from the pool. Read it again.
@ Mary Smith... do you have thousands and thousands of dollars just laying around these days to put towards a funeral? Sheesh.
@ Mary Eberhard... how many stories have you read on the Windham Patch about children passing? THIS patch is edited by Mike Ryan and I say kudos to him for keeping that crap off of here. (Crap that not one of you would have the intestinal fortitude to walk up to these suffering parents and say to their faces I might add.)
To the Okermans... I add my sorrow that you have to be subjected to this type of BS.
Michael Ryan
10:25 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Hi Dee, I will defend Rick on this one... As I mentioned above... this article DID say safety personnel pulled her, which was an error on my part. He was in the right to be confused. It has since been fixed with a correction listed above.
Dee
10:28 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Noted... I was typing while you were responding to him.
Michael Ryan
10:29 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
OK, no problem.
Dee
10:35 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
We need an edit button... someday. And I understand why you won't post my response to that earlier post. I was a little heated by callousness of it and just shot off a reply. Probably a good call on your part... I fed into it and it would have added nothing but more negativity.
Robert
11:40 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
For those of us who personally know the Okerman family we know that Ella and her siblings were/are loved and well taken care of. This is simply a tragic accident that, only by the grace of God, none of the rest of us are facing today. However, we do not know what tomorrow will bring, so be careful what you say and how you judge this family. We have known the Okermans for a little over two years and just loved Ella Bella - she was a precious little girl with the best smile, twinkle in her big eyes and more energy than some of the adults wished she had:) She always had a smile and a hug to give to her friends. She will be terribly missed. Our love, thoughts and prayers go to everyone in the Okerman family including Grandparents and Great Grandparents.
JMO
11:54 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Beautiful Robert, absolutely beautiful.
Dan Love
4:01 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Well said Robert.
JMO
11:54 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sending love, prayers, and kind thoughts to a warm, wonderful, and amazing family. To the ignorant people who have judged them unfairly and unjustly I send prayers and thoughts your way as well. Anyone possessing that kind of evil in their heart and soul needs them so much more than the Okermans do. When tragedy decides to land on your shoulders (and it will) perhaps then you will find the compassion and kindness that eludes you at this time. Ella was such a bright light in so many lives. You will be missed little one.
Mike Spinelli
12:58 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
We were their neighbors up until a month ago. We could not be more sad and hearts go out to the okermans.
Dan Love
4:01 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Having just returned from the funeral of Gabriella "Ella" Okerman, I continue to pray for RIck & Jessica Okerman, their children and family. Those who have posted derrogitory comments ought to be ashamed of themselves. It was suggested to the Okerman's that they not even read any of the articles and postings on this site.
May God have mercy on us all
Daniel Knisell
9:30 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Let all judgements be water off your back.
More importantly may little Ella walk with the stars so our family can find her when they too embrace the heavens.
Much Love.