Tributes for 'man of service' as Hurricane Irene's aftermath claims life of World Vision staffer

Dr Ramon Suarez Santamaria, a World Vision Dominican Republic employee died on Friday (Aug 26) in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

World Vision staff have paid tribute to their colleague Dr Ramon Suarez Santamaria who died on Friday (August 26) while volunteering during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in the Dominican Republic.

Referred to as 'a man of service' by those who knew him, the 36-year-old drowned while helping search for a 21-year old man who had gone missing in the swollen Haina River in the San Cristobal Province.

The medical doctor, who had worked with World Vision since 2004 and was the participation technician and leader of the northern and southern Villa Altagracia Area Development Programmes in the Dominican Republic, was on holiday when he decided to volunteer with the El Baden Community Civil Defence rescue team.

It is believed Dr Suarez fell in to the Haina River during the search operation and was carried away by the current. His body was recovered five hours later.

A life celebrated

A vigil was held for Dr Suarez at Club de Paproveda in Villa Altagracia on the Friday (August 26) and then his body was taken to Santo Domingo on Saturday where his life was celebrated with a Christian burial.

Dr Suarez, who had been due to return to his work with World Vision on August 30, was a single father to a 6-year-old daughter.

Gift of service

World Vision Dominican Republic has issued the following statement: "World Vision stands in solidarity with the pain that the doctor's family is feeling and grieve the loss of this man who was known for his gift of service."

• Please pray for Dr Ramon's family at this very difficult time

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