'I couldn't believe it': Naples man drowned while diving for submerged golf balls
A Naples father who enjoyed spending time with his three children and collected submerged golf balls with his son is remembered as a dedicated first responder, a loving dad and a respected businessman.
Nicholas Wardein, 44, was at the Sixth Green of Arrowhead Golf Course with his 13-year-old son when he failed to return to surface.
The incident happened shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, Michelle Batten, spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriff's Office told the Daily News.
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According to an incident report provided by the sheriff's office, Wardein's son told deputies he and his father were allowed to scuba dive in the lakes of Arrowhead to retrieve golf balls.
The area has two ponds that separate the golf course from several buildings.
Based on the incident report, the sheriff's office couldn't confirm whether other people were in the area besides his son. The area encompasses several smaller golf courses.
A spokesperson for the golf course declined comment Wednesday morning, citing that he wasn't present when the drowning happened and was later informed by his supervisors.
Wardein's son added they've done so many times.
According to the teenager's statement, Wardein entered the water wearing a wetsuit; weighted belt; dive mask; boot knife; scuba tank; and a net to carry the golf balls.
Moments later, he noticed his father was struggling to stay afloat and gasping for air.
Wardein took his scuba tank off, but struggled to remain on the surface, possibly due to the weight of the golf balls attached to his weighted belt, his son told deputies.
The boy then entered the water in an attempt to aid the first responder, but when he approached his father's last-known location, he couldn't find him, according to the report.
The adolescent then exited the water and called for help.
By the time first responders arrived, Wardein had been beneath the surface for about 10 minutes, according to the incident report.
Nearly 15 minutes after first responders entered the water, divers with the fire department located Wardein approximately 5 yards off his last reported location.
Wardein was pronounced dead at the scene.
A GoFundMe fundraiser aims to collect $100,000 for Wardein's memorial fund, which organizers say would then be distributed among his three children.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, the family raised over $41,000.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wardein, and three children — Liora, Xavier and Clara.
Southwest Florida community reacts
Wardein had worked for the Lee County Emergency Medical Services since 2014 and was "a committed provider who was loved and respected by his coworkers," the county said in a statement.
"Lee County Public Safety is saddened that EMT Nicholas Wardein died unexpectedly Friday while pursuing his hobby during his off-duty hours," the email read in part.
His family owns Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery, in the 1500 block of Immokalee Road.
Managers at neighboring businesses Turco Taco and McAlister's Deli expressed shock over his sudden loss.
Mayra Ruiz, one of the managers at the adjacent McAlister's Deli, said she didn't really know Wardein, but added she often sees his wife when she picks up the mail.
Two doors from McAlister's Deli, Ednald Angenor, kitchen manager at Turco Taco, said he was startled when he found out Wardein died.
Angenor said he also often crossed paths with his wife.
"I was shocked ... I was shocked," Angenor said, stuttering, as he tried to find the words to describe the loss of Wardein. "A few days ago I saw his car outside, you know, just coming over there ... A few days later I was talking to one of the employees there and they said he was dead ... It was shocking news ... I couldn't believe it."
Angenor said he knows what it's like to lose someone near and dear.
"Hopefully she has the courage to move on," Angenor said. "As a community, we're here for the family if they need anything."
The Daily News and The News-Press reached out to Wardein's family, but didn't receive a response before publication.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Follow him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Florida man drowns diving for submerged golf balls in pond
