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Patrick Halstead Obituary

The U.S. National Whitewater Center employee who had to be pulled from the Catawba River by coworkers on Wednesday has died.

On Friday, family members wrote on Facebook that Patrick Halstead died after being taken off life support.

Halstead had been hospitalized in serious condition since Wednesday evening, when he dropped his keys into the river near a dock as he finished his workday at the Whitewater Center in northwest Charlotte.

Another staff member who was on the dock said Halstead swam down several times but then didn't come back up, according to a statement from the Whitewater Center. That staff member began searching for Halstead and was soon joined by several other coworkers who arrived to help.

Then, Halstead was found floating unconscious, officials said. Two staff members pulled him to the dock and began CPR.

The water in the area was about 4 feet deep and was calm with no current, according to the Whitewater Center.

Paramedics airlifted Halstead to an area hospital.

As Halstead's family waited for signs of recovery, friends began posting thoughts and prayers for the family on a Facebook page called "Praying for Patrick."

His uncle, John Ketzel, wrote on his Facebook page Thursday that doctors had cooled Halstead's body temperature and planned to gradually increase his temperature to evaluate his condition. Halstead was on a ventilator, he wrote.

But then on Friday, Ketzel wrote that Halstead had been taken off life support.

"I want to thank everyone for the prayers and support for Patrick," Ketzel said. "Now it is time to lift up his family and pray for them... Patrick's job was finished here on earth and now he is singing with the angels in heaven. "

Halstead grew up in Ocean Springs, Miss., according to reports. He's survived by his parents, siblings and a young son.

Relatives said they will have a memorial service for Halstead at 3 p.m. Sunday at Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte.
Published by Charlotte Observer on Oct. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Halstead

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28 Entries

Deanna LeCarpentier

July 3, 2014

I'm thinking about you Patrick. You will forever be the absolute best friend anyone could ever ask for. I will Never forget you and you are still very important to me. I love you .

Sybil Byars

October 5, 2013

Today is the one year anniversary of Sweet Patrick's departure from earth. We love you so much Sweet Angel.

Angela Engleman

October 9, 2012

I knew Patrick from band in high school. School can be a rough experience at times, but he was a guy who was good at listening and giving advice during some of those difficult moments. I really loved reading his posts on Facebook about his son and about things he did (like helping complete strangers). It is hard to believe he is gone, and he will be greatly missed.

Denise Reardon

October 9, 2012

I went to Montreat with him. I didn't know him very well. I feel sad that I didn't talk to him more during our time there. My thoughts are with his family and especially his young son.

Sean Anderson

October 9, 2012

I was shocked when I heard that Patrick died. He was a good man and friendly to everyone. Hard to believe that we lost a good friend and classmate. They should try to have a scholarship in his honor and memory.

Susan Rasor

October 9, 2012

Kirk and Jenny, Beth and Sarah - we were so very saddened to hear of Patrick's death and our hearts have been with you all day. We still talk of the wonderful times we had in Ocean Springs, especially playing in the pool. Patrick was such a sweet, thoughtful and warm-hearted guy and we loved him, as we do you. We hope many happy memories will bring you comfort today and in the days to come. We know he is at rest in God's loving presence.
Steve and Susan Rasor

Chris Schumacher

October 9, 2012

I just learned of Patrick's death this morning. I had to do some research to find a picture of him. I didn't know him well; but Montreat is small enough that everyone knows everyone at least a little bit. His journey is done. He's finally home!

The Schill Family

October 9, 2012

We really didn't know Mr.Patrick Halstead, but with his parents being Mrs.Genny and Mr.Kirk he had to be a awesome person also.. I have read so many nice posting of him.. The family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this time...

Cathy DeVries

October 8, 2012

Patrick was a good man. He had a smile on his face, and would say hi. I am glad that I got to meet him while I was at Montreat. I am praying for you during this time of sorrow.

rebekah johnson

October 8, 2012

I knew Patrick briefly in college but reconnected through Facebook, and was reminded of his warm and caring soul. For him, those personality traits were only punctuated by parenthood. His adoration for Matthew was always clear. I am thankful to have crossed paths with such a beautiful spirit, and to know that I will again. May the Lord bless and keep the Halsteads as you mourn the loss of Patrick's vibrant, earthly present. My prayers are with you all.

Janice Baugher

October 7, 2012

He was such a wonderful man. The night we moved into our apartment near his he helped our movers who were struggling in the dark to try and finish as torrential rains came. And he was an awesome father who loved his son more than anything. This was so obvious. It didn't take long to recognize what a wonderful human being Patrick was. God bless his son, and all of his loved ones at this time. I am so VERY sorry for your loss.

October 7, 2012

so much love and many, many tears. I'm thinking of you, friend.

Victoria DeOrnellis

October 7, 2012

I am struggling with words except to say that the world has lost a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. Prayers for Matthew, Kirk and Genny, Beth and Sarah, as well as other family and friends. My heart is with yours.

Betty Knoll

October 6, 2012

My heart aches for Patrick's family and especially little Mathew. Genny and her two sisters, Betsy and Jackie flew from Biloxi to Ohio four years ago today to comfort me. They are such a loving, Christian family. Love and Blessings to all. Aunt Betty

You will be so missed!

Teresa Morano

October 6, 2012

I keep remembering you playing with what I thought of as your silly Star Wars toys and smiling. It warms my heart to realize what a wonderful man and father you had become. You will be so missed by us all. Prayers for your family!

Michelle Payne

October 6, 2012

My heart still hurts for you and your loss. I've experienced what Beth and Sarah are going through and I've seen first hand what Kirk and Genny are going through. Your immediate family and extended family are in my prayers. Much love, Michelle

John KETZEL

October 6, 2012

Patrick was the type of Christain that Jesus told us all to be. He had flaws as we all do. But he always trusted in God and loved everyone.
Uncle John

Sally Loftis

October 6, 2012

Thinking of you today and always, Patrick. May your family be comforted in knowing the love you extended to all of us.

jeni herrel

October 6, 2012

I will miss him are greatly!

Monica Berrios

October 6, 2012

I knew Patrick from attending the same high school in Ocean Springs. Patrick was one of the most loving selfless men I have ever known. There are a few here on earth that are simply a joy to know, Patrick is one of them. Rest in peace.

Steven Hanshaw

October 6, 2012

I am so saddened to hear about the loss of a dear friend. Patrick touched so many lives and I consider it an honor to say that I knew him and that he was a precious friend. I have so many memories of his laughter and his spirit of love and kindness. To his family...I can't imagine the pain you are feeling now. Stay strong and focus on the impact Pat made to this world during his time on Earth. To his son, Matthew...your daddy loved you more than you will ever now. I hope that you will continue in the steps of your father. My prayers go with you. May God bless you and sustain you.

M. Williams

October 6, 2012

Although I was not acquainted with Mr.Halstead,I'm sorry to hear of his passing and would like to express my condolences to the family. "may the God who supplies endurance and comfort..." bring your family peace during this time. Rom.15:5

October 6, 2012

To the family: Be courageous and strong. When your strength is gone and endurance tested. Do not suffer shock or be terrified for God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) With deepest sympathy.

Richard & Anita Nyland

October 6, 2012

Our Hearts are full of grief in the loss of our Grandson-in-law. We weep for his parents and his son. He was a good father. He had so much left to teach to his young son. Our Prayers will be with Jenny and Kirk Halstead, the rest of Patrick's family, and our own family, joined to his by marriage. May Our Holy Father hold us up and hold us together.

Terri Tatman

October 5, 2012

I do not know your son, I just read about his story online. My heart goes out to you his family for your loss.

Lonzell Carter

October 5, 2012

A kind and warm hearted guy - A dedicated father and Co-Worker. Always will have a special place from the VerizonWireless Tech support

E B Nelms

October 5, 2012

Just hearing the news of this tragedy wanted me to let the family my heart goes out to the family in this time of loss. May God grant you peace in your time of sorrow.

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