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JOSEPH CHONKO, 28, DIES IN A SNOWBOARDING ACCIDENT IN EAST VALE, COLORADO
Joseph Chonko was a good friend of Pio Arce, TMFI's former communication and media director. A supporter and associate of TMFI,
Chonko had contributed a substantial amount to kick off the
Davao River Bridge Project
which was completed and
ceremonially opened May 7, 2002. He was planning on attending the ceremonial opening and was even going to help with some
of the construction, if he could. At the age of 28, he died in January, 2001 in a snowboarding accident in the backcountry
of East Vail, Colorado, U.S. Pio was in Colorado visiting with Joseph just one week before the accident (see photo in the upper
left).
Friends of Chonko say he was an experienced snowboarder and very knowledgeable about backcountry safety. Officials who recovered his body say that he had been wearing all the appropriate safety equipment.
At first it was thought he had been the victim of an avalanche, common in that area. Others thought he had fallen into a "terrain trap" (an area of dead trees and other debris which is covered by snow and thus creating a "trap"). To fall into such a "trap" would mean suffocating under several feet of snow.
East Vail rescuers recovering Chonko's body.
Later however it was revealed that there had been no struggle in the snow, and an autopsy showed that heart failure was most likely the cause of death. Chonko had a rare heart condition from childhood that affects young men in their 20's. One doctor believes Chonko suffered a quick and fatal heart attack while snowboarding and was unconscious before he even hit the snow.
Although it may not have saved him, the incident is a good lesson for all - NEVER ski or snowboard alone, no matter how experienced one is.
Chonko was an active member of his Christian church in East Vail and had acquired many friends from the men's ministry he was involved with. He will be missed by all. A saddened Pio Arce said of him, "he had great potential for the mission field."
Chonko pauses for picture while mountain climbing.
Inspired by Joseph, a team from Colorado traveled to Davao in May, 2001 to help build the bridge. Charlotte, Joseph's sister went as well and received a token of appreciation from the people there.
Thank-you for your support Joseph, and we praise God you knew Jesus Christ as your Savior.
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