Spring Break Tragedy: Goshen businessman drowns in Belize

Prominent business owner among two people killed while snorkeling in Belize Tuesday

April 05, 2012|By John Paul | WSBT-TV Report

GOSHEN – A drowning death thousands of miles away has left Goshen shocked and saddened.

"I thought it was a joke," said Sharon Welsh who knew Roger Burger.

Roger Burger's death was no joke.

Burger, a man well-known for his business and community ties as much as his sense of humor and wit, drowned on a snorkeling trip with his wife and son, Tuesday.

"That day, we had just prayed for our fellow Kiwanians who were out on spring break to return safe," said John Huber, who developed a close friendship with Burger as members of the Goshen Noon Kiwanis club.

According to the San Pedro Sun newspaper in Belize, Burger was one of two people who died while snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The newspaper reported “strong waves" separated Burger and an Italian woman from the rest of their group.

Burger's wife and son were among five tourist who survived.

"Just before he left, I saw him," said Pastor James Shrock with First Baptist Church in Goshen. "We didn't see each other a lot, but we met in first grade and we've been friends ever since – we both had that weird sense of humor and we clicked."

Burger was also an inventor and owned Inventure on the city's north side. Workers there said Burger led a team of designers and manufacturers of custom electronics.

"Not only a leader, but a friend," said Steve Barton, Inventure employee. "I had to notify some [workers] personally, it was a tremendously emotional experience."

Visitation for Burger will be held at the Yoder Culp Funeral Home Monday, April 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Service is set for Tuesday April 10 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Brethren in Goshen.

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