Elmer Crumbley and Jimmy Crumbley die in tragic Omaha lake drowning
Fatal Omaha drowning death of Elmer Crumbley and Jimmy Crumbley – Obituary
Early Wednesday morning, Omaha first responders recovered the bodies of two men who drowned at Cunningham Lake. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near N 96th and State streets, where the men had ventured into the water while launching their fishing boat, which then drifted away.
According to investigators, the men attempted to retrieve the drifting boat but did not resurface. Dive teams were called in, and sonar was used to locate them. Both men were eventually recovered from the lake. This marks the third drowning death at Cunningham Lake in under a week.
Elmer Crumbley, 71, and Jimmy Crumbley, 76, were identified by their family. The brothers were well-regarded figures in their community. Alyssa Daigre, their niece, described them as good men and community pillars, expressing her sorrow over the tragic accident.
Elmer was notably involved in the community, having coached state senator Justin Wayne’s basketball team and remaining a mentor throughout Wayne’s academic career. Wayne, who lived nearby, fondly recalled Elmer’s constant support and wisdom.
Brooke Bench, the executive director of the lake’s development trust, clarified that the lake’s condition was not a factor in the incident, emphasizing that it was a tragic accident not related to the lake’s features. He extended his condolences to the Crumbley family, acknowledging the depth of their loss.
Father Dave Korth from St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Community also expressed his grief, highlighting the significant impact of the Crumbley brothers on their church community. He took solace in their faith, believing that their loss is ultimately their gain.
The Omaha police are investigating the incident, which has been deemed accidental. Authorities remind the public that swimming is prohibited at the lake and advise wearing life jackets while on the water.
Fatal Omaha drowning death of Elmer Crumbley and Jimmy Crumbley – Obituary Early Wednesday morning, Omaha first responders recovered the bodies of two men who drowned at Cunningham Lake. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near N 96th and State streets, where the men had ventured into the water while launching their fishing boat, which…
Fatal Omaha drowning death of Elmer Crumbley and Jimmy Crumbley – Obituary Early Wednesday morning, Omaha first responders recovered the bodies of two men who drowned at Cunningham Lake. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near N 96th and State streets, where the men had ventured into the water while launching their fishing boat, which…