RIP Rob Stimmel

For those of you that have been around the sport of wakeboarding and waterskiing for a while, you know who Rob Stimmel is. He's been attached to Jobe for years and was one of the promoters that started Boardstock back in 1996 and carried that torch for many years. Last year, as a representative of Jobe, he went through his warehouse in Washington and donated 28 Jobe boards and bindings for our annual Toys for Tots auction, bringing in thousands of dollars in donations.

On Wednesday, despite the fact that he was on his honeymoon having just been married four days earlier, Rob took the time to send me an email informing me that he'd check and see what he could donate for this year's Toys for Tots auction as soon as he got back to home to Washington. Unfortunately, he was piloting his own plane home on Friday and there were some mechanical difficulties that caused the plane to crash into Clear Lake in Orlando. Rob Stimmel and his new wife, Maria Jose Cepa, were both killed in the accident. Our prayers go out to both families!

I just saw Eric Ruck posted something on Instagram about this last night. Very sad.

From his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/-Zr8vvrN...en-by=erikruck

erikruck Normally I am not the kind of person to have a deep & meaningful, preach or air personal matters on social media. Two days ago while having a morning wake surf, to celebrate a good friends birthday. We witnessed a horrific plane crash, no more than 200 yards away. We were the first responders to the crash. It was a situation you could only imagine (like it was a nightmare). With the help of a couple neighbors on the lake, we assisted in pulling the poor occupants of the plane to shore. Needless to say they were both in Gods hands before we could get to them. I didn't write this looking for sympathy or any kind of reaction. I wrote this because of the realization that I have been left with after this life changing situation. We don't have enough time in this life, to be angry, to hold grudges or to hate. Live your life with love in your heart, forgive and be grateful for all of the good and love that you have. Life is precious!
Read more at http://websta.me/n/erikruck#IREyyrRLwbuuXfFc.99

This is the first time I heard they identified the people in the plane. The initial reports were that it was a man in his 50's and a teenage girl.

I'm sorry to hear this news, I won one of the Jobe boards last year, so it's very sad to hear.

Oh man tragic sad RIP

Such a loss. My prayers are with his family

Very sad indeed. May he and his wife rest in peace.

Wow, as a private pilot myself and having had an opportunity to work with Rob on Boardstock and other projects...serious bummer.