Colorado man drowns off Cemetery Beach
Rodney Lamb
(CNS): Police have confirmed the identity of the man who died on Saturday afternoon, 4 November, after experiencing difficulties snorkeling off Cemetery Beach. He was Rodney Lamb (64), who was visiting with friends and family from Denver, Colorado in the United States. He was pronounced dead at the hospital after he was taken from the water by fire and rescue personnel. Lamb was swimming with a friend who also got into trouble but survived the ordeal.
According to an online obituary, Lamb was an obstetrician. He is survived by his three children, Chris, Chelsea and Cameron, seven grandchildren and his wife, Jan, who was with him in Cayman when he died.
Category: Local News
I just got a letter from my OBGYN’s office stating my Doctor, Dr. Lamb, passed away suddenly. He delivered both of my babies and I’m so saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Dr. Lamb.
Just got the letter also, awful
Dr Lamb’s death at Cemetery Beach last Saturday had nothing to do with the current. Dr Lamb and his brother-in-law, Chuck, were snorkeling when Dr Lamb reported he was short of breath. They started back to the shore when Dr Lamb, who was a superb water sportsman, reported he was continuing to have trouble breathing. Chuck told him to float and he would pull him in. They were talking along the way then Dr Lamb stopped talking and became limp; at that time they were nearly 2.5 football fields from shore. Chuck, who is a champion swimmer and former lifeguard, was almost back to shore when their wives, who were waiting on the beach, heard him yelling to call 911. The wonderful fireman assisted just as Chuck was nearing shore. It is truly a miracle Chuck was able to swim such a great distance with Dr Lamb in tow. Chuck did not receive cpr on the scene but could detect he was in atrial fibrillation and he was exhausted. He was treated at the hospital and spent the night in critical care due to fluid in his lungs. Dr. Lamb’s autopsy confirmed he succumbed to a heart attack. We very very much appreciate the wonderful Cayman police, hospital doctors and nurses, and the two firemen, who responded when they heard us screaming for help. There are no nicer or more helpful people than those on Grand Cayman Island who assisted us. Every single person went above and beyond.
So very sorry for his family. Such a wonderful man and our family will miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife and family.
We are very sorry this happened. Dr. Lamb was an amazing person who brought our son to this world and for that we will be forever grateful. We will keep him in our prayers. May God give his family the peace that they seek.
Too many drowning incidents are happening. Why are there no lifeguards on the beaches? I think it would be a good opportunity to train and employ young Caymanians.
He had a life guard with him, how can you do better than that. Read the story first.
this is ever so sad. My sympathy goes to his family and friends.
is the area posted with signs that warn of strong currents?! was the strong current a contributing factor?
Probably not a strong current in that area.
Why is it Cayman does not have life guards at the most visited beaches by tourists and residents?
Cost & Practicality. Make a list of the ‘most visited beaches’ and ‘most visited times’ and (a) figure out the rough staff costs and (b) compare to the reported death incidences.
Before anyone says ‘any one life is worth any cost’ that’s not what society has historically felt around the world. Just ask an insurance agent.
Sorry that we only have this discussion when there’s an actual family grieving.
So sad. Condolences to all family and friends.
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anonymous a 7:23….on 8/11/17
What in the name of heaven does this have to do with your comment and the price of tea in China?
So sad, RIP.
My condolences to this gentlemans family. So very sad to come to the island to enjoy a vacation with family and friends and never to return home to his loved ones again. May you RIP.
RIP
So sad, these deaths are happening too frequently, maybe it will become a deterrent eventually for the tourists to keep away from Cayman Waters.
Nothing specific to Cayman waters. What happens is that tourists come down here who are inactive back home, and underestimate the strain snorkeling or swimming can be. Happens everywhere.