News: Supervisor Shawn Williams to Present 4 with Commendation for Rescue on Beaverdam Creek

(March 2, 2012) - Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Broad Run District representative Shawn Williams will present four area residents with a Resolution of Commendation at the March 6 meeting for their role in a rescue of a youth on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir and the attempted rescue of his father.

The Resolution of Commendation is for George Lewis, Brad Odenheimer, Kim Hawthorn, and Sean Mullins in recognition of their roles in saving Michael DiGiovanna from drowning in the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir on November 27, 2011, and attempting to save Tony DiGiovanna, as well as their bravery and heroism.

Williams will present the honor at the Public Input and General Business Meeting scheduled for March 6 at 5 p.m.

News: Body of Ashburn Father of Four Recovered After Canoe Accident; 7-Year-old Son Rescued by Local Teens

(Nov. 28, 2011) - The Ashburn community is rallying around Tony DiGiovanna's family Monday after the 49-year-old father of four reportedly drowned in a canoe accident on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir Sunday afternoon. His 7-year-old son was rescued by bystanders who jumped into the cold water after the family's canoe capsized.

Family friend Tom DeMay posted on Facebook around 1:30 p.m. that DiGiovanna's body had been found by rescue workers around noon Monday. Authorities in Loudoun are now officially identifying DiGiovanna as the victim of the accident and confirming the recovery of the body.

Two of the rescuers who jumped in the water to help the son to safety have been identified as George Lewis, a senior at Briar Woods High School, and Brad Odenheimer, a senior at Stone Bridge High School.

Lewis poignantly posted on Facebook after the rescue: "Just helplessly witnessed a man lose his life and a ... boy lose his father. This is the most terrible thing I have ever seen or been through, to hear a man's last words before he sinks beneath the water in front of his own child."

On DiGiovanna's Facebook page, tributes were already pouring in for the popular father, coach, musician, and pilot among other things. Wrote one friend:

"R.I. P. My dear friend You will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. So long Twon, may your spirit soar above the clouds where you enjoyed being so much. you were A Great friend, A Super husband and father, An incredible pilot, Smokin guitar player A great man. love you and miss you always Twon"

Family friend Tom DeMay posted this detailed update prior to that:
"Here's what I know. Tony DiGiovanna, his son ... and his dog were canoeing at Goose Creek Reservoir and the boat capsized. (The son) had a life vest, Tony did not. Some bystanders ... were on the shore and tried to get out to help. They helped (the son) to safety. Somehow, the dog made it too. But Tony did not make it back.