LAWRENCE, Mass. — The kayaker rescued by Lawrence firefighters last week has died.
Lawrence firefighters were doing a routine training exercise on the Merrimack River when they noticed a capsized kayak.
They quickly found kayaker Kevin Cadigan and rescued him. He didn't have a pulse and was revived and then rushed to Lawrence General Hospital.
The 50-year-old had been in critical condition for six days and died Tuesday night.
He was just months away from welcoming a child with his wife, Jennifer.
"It's a great loss to so many people, not just me," said a devastated Jennifer Cadigan.
She explained that her husband had wanted the kayak as a Christmas present.
"He picked it out. He's been reading and doing his research on how to get on the river. This was his first time out this season. I don't know if the river was a little too much for him," she said.
The heartbroken widow is still in disbelief.
"I still think he is going to walk through the door, like he is out at Market Basket or something," Cadigan told FOX25.
Cadigan's mother-in-law said Kevin was the ideal son-in-law. The three of them always did everything together.
"Last night I just gave all my words to Kevin," said mother-in-law Carol Nicosia.
A Gofundme page has been created to help support Cadigan after the sudden loss of her husband.
Kevin Cadigan's wake will be held Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home in Andover.
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