‘A hero in our book’: United Cajun Navy loses one of its own amid disaster clean-up
The United Cajun Navy is mourning after losing one of its volunteers over the weekend.
Patrick Hadley, 27, died Monday after suffering a massive heart attack, according to the volunteer group. Hadley, affectionately known as “Sasquach,” was assisting storm victims in Soso, Mississippi, on Sunday when he suddenly fell ill.
The city, located in Jones County, was one of many ravaged by powerful storms that barreled across the South on Easter Sunday. The severe weather brought howling winds, hail and tornadoes, leaving at least 30 dead, according to an ABC News report.
The Laurel Leader-Call reports that Hadley was counted among the storm-related deaths in Jones County.
Fellow United Cajun Navy members say he took his last breath “doing what he loved.”
“Patrick was always ready to help and serve others, its what he lived for,” the organization wrote in a lengthy Facebook post. “Patrick died doing what he loved, helping others, and that truly makes him a Hero in our book.”
The United Cajun Navy is nonprofit group that, through the help of its volunteers, aids in emergency preparedness as well as disaster relief efforts and search and rescues across the Southeast U.S.
Crew leader David Lay, a seasoned disaster relief volunteer with the organization, got the call Sunday evening that their help was needed in Soso. Lay rounded up his crew, which included Hadley and three others, the organization said. The volunteers were packed up ready to go within the hour.
“All of these men with David were not only long time friends, employees, but also have stood beside him in many disaster response efforts all over the United States and knew what they were getting in to, the ones who would ride through the gates of hell with each other,” the Facebook post read. “They went with no exact location in mind; they knew they’d end up where God needed them to be.”
After bunking in their pick-ups for the night, the group awoke around 6 the next morning to assist residents whose homes were devastated by the storm. The crew was busy removing tree debris from a house when tragedy struck around 10 a.m.
“Our Sasquach, our best friend, our big ol goofy giant who always kept us laughing had a massive heart attack and passed away,” the group’s Facebook post read. “One minute he was fine and goofing off just like he always did, and the next he wasn’t and needed to sit down. Within minutes he colapsed [sic] and went unconscious.”
Other volunteers quickly attempted CPR, but it was too late.
Hadley was pronounced dead at South Central Regional Medical Center, Coroner Burl Hall confirmed to the Leader Call.
The young man leaves behind a 3-year-old son, an infant daughter and a fiancée, according to the United Cajun Army. The group said Hadley’s volunteer work took him to countless disaster sites across the South where he took part in search and rescue efforts. He was among the volunteers who traveled to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence ravaged the state in 2018, according to the organization.
‘”Sasquach’ was beast of a man with a Heart of gold,” the group wrote. “Our United Cajun Navy family lost a great man, but his legend and spirit lives on.”
Hadley’s family and friends have launched an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs and other expenses.