Brian Bergkamp, a seminarian from the Diocese of Wichita, has died after saving the life of a woman who fell into a river.
The 24-year-old was among five people travelling down the Arkansas River in separate kayaks when all got caught in turbulent waters. According to The Wichita Eagle, Bergkamp jumped from his kayak to save the woman before getting pulled under himself. He was not wearing a life jacket. The other kayakers made it to shore.
Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita said: “I knew Brian to be an exceptional seminarian, well on his way to demonstrating so many of the qualities needed to be a good and faithful priest.
