Kiwanis Volunteer Dies in Evergreen Lake Ice Accident

From EPRD:

For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE

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Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt
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720-880-1020

Kiwanis Volunteers Dies in Evergreen Lake Ice Accident

Founder of Ice Golf Fundraiser Was Preparing for Event He Loved

Evergreen, CO (Jan. 22, 2015) --

Greg Henika, a Blue Spruce Kiwanis leader who founded the Evergreen Ice Golf Tournament and poured his passion into the annual fundraiser for developmentally disabled adults, has died after the all-terrain vehicle he was driving broke through the ice and tumbled into Evergreen Lake, said Ellen O'Connor, executive director of Evergreen Park & Recreation District (EPRD).

Henika, 67, of Idledale, fell into the lake around 9:30 AM while grooming the ice for the 5th annual tournament, which was scheduled for Sunday.

According to Evergreen Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Stacee Montague, a 911 call came in at 9:38 AM that a piece of equipment had fallen through the ice into Evergreen Lake. Fire Rescue responded immediately, and divers from West Metro Fire pulled Henicka from the lake. He was transported by helicopter around 10:30 AM to a local hospital, where he later passed away.

"We are just heartbroken," said O'Connor. "Here at EPRD, we truly considered Greg one of our own. he volunteered for countless community events; he was the go-to guy when you need something done. His passion and drive to serve the community, especially developmentally disabled adults through the Aktion Club, were truly inspiring. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.

"He was doing the thing he loved," she added. "It's a sad, sad day for everyone."

"As a community, we are heartbroken and our thoughts are now with the family," said Board president Peter Lindquist. "We are grateful to Evergreen Fire and Rescue, West Metro Fire's Dive Team and the Jeffco Sheriff's Department for their efforts and assistance during this tragic event."

The incident is under investigation, and EPRD will release more information as soon as it becomes available, O'Connor said.

She said the Kiwanis's Evergreen Ice Golf event was cancelled, and the Evergreen Lake Ice Rink was closed for the day.

About Evergreen Park & Recreation District
Evergreen Park and Recreation District (EPRD) was formed in 1969 to serve the park and recreation needs of the communities of Evergreen, Bergen Park, Indian Hills, Kittredge and Marshdale. The citizens of the EPRD area place high value in their parks, recreation facilities and programs as an enhancement to the community's quality of life. This commitment is embodied in the District's strong parks and recreation system, with its unique facilities such as Buchanan Park, Buchanan Park Recreation Center, Evergreen Lake House, and Wulf Recreation Center.

EPRD serves approximately 22,000 people residing within its boundaries, and offers affordable recreational options to non-district residents. Learn more at www.evergreenrecreation.com .

If anything further of this effort develops, we'll post updates, as well any news on a memorial service.


Thank you Mountain Dollar.