Sam Crowley Expected To Make Full Recovery
(investigation still in progress)

Sam Crowley, after circumnavigating Ireland unscathed, met near disaster in what at this time appears to have been a common bar brawl. It is nothing less than ironic that this instructor trainer (ACA) would survive so many miles only to suffer multiple fractures so close to home. This was not, to be clear, a kayaking accident. Although the police have not yet made public exactly what happened to Sam, a personal friend of mine has informed me that they are looking at John Browning, a fellow IT, as a "person of interest". (This same individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, also supplied me with the picture of Sam taken as he awaited transportation to a local hospital).

In a case such as this, involving two men whom I consider teachers, colleagues and friends, I am hesitant to speculate about just what may have happened. We do know that the two of them were meeting at a local pub to plan this spring's Instructor Training Workshop. Apparently (according to vague reports), there was some disagreement between them concerning something about the course. Witnesses (not identified) indicated that the men had been arguing and that their voices had become quite loud (these are two usually soft spoken men).

No one heard everything, however rumor has it that they reported snippets they did hear to the police. There were words something like, "...you do all the fun stuff and leave me with the crap...," and "...Nancy made me do it." There was a mention of someone's mother just before the fight broke out. I could not reach Sam in the hospital, but I did manage to talk to JB by phone. Understandably, he was hesitant to say much, but he did indicate that he has retained local paddlers and attorneys Gary Simon and Bob Bertram to represent him in this whole affair. Gary and Bob would not give me any additional information indicating client priveledge.

Again, all is speculation, but I will say that these two like their beer and ales. I mean, really like their beer and ales, and I can only wonder if inebriated egos let things get out of control that evening. Another curiosity is the fact that JB apparently remained unscratched raising rumors of involvement of some local bar girl and her "boy friend". Never one to judge, I wish Sam a speedy recovery. I know he would appreciate hearing words of encouragement from you.

Paddle safe...
DS