Deceased Rhode Island father of two remembered after what is believed to be a tragic accident

A Rhode Island man who died in what appears to be a tragic accident is being remembered.

According to CT Insider, 47-year-old Joel Trebisacci of Westerly died a tragic death over the weekend during a diving incident in Stonington, Connecticut.

According to police reports, Trebisacci was wearing scuba gear and had been hired to inspect the hull of a fishing boat at the Stonington Town Fishing Dock, specifically checking for entangled lines around the propeller or rudder.

He failed to resurface after entering the water, prompting a response around 9:18 a.m.

First responders pulled him from the harbor unresponsive, performed CPR at the scene, and transported him to Westerly Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Stonington Police Department, in collaboration with Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is investigating the accident, which does not appear suspicious.

An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but it has been described as a diving accident or drowning.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Trebisacci leaves behind two children.

“Joel spent countless hours with his children, teaching them everything he knew about the outdoors and the ocean. He was called to the sea at a young age and made sure Lynda and William experienced its beauty, freedom, and adventure just as he had.

“Joel was more than a loving dad. He was a protector, a provider, and a true friend to so many. As a licensed Sea Tow operations manager/captain, he dedicated his life to being on the water-boating, fishing, and rescuing others in need. Whether it was a family stranded at sea or a stranger in distress, Joel never hesitated to help. He was the one people called in a storm; and he always answered.”

Services have not yet been announced.