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‘Fighting For Papa Bear’: Deepwater Horizon Tragedy Through The Eyes Of One Victim’s Family
May 20, 2010
He wasn’t supposed to be on the rig.
Blair Manuel, 56, was known on the rigs as “Papa Bear.” He had a huge smile and such warmth that he reminded everyone who knew him of Santa Claus. He loved his LSU Tigers and had both football and baseball season tickets. Even more than his beloved Tigers he loved his daughters.
Manuel was one of the 11 killed April 20 when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Our friend Rick Outzen over at the Pensacola Independent News traveled to Louisiana and sat down with Manuel’s family to learn more about him and the human side of the 11 men.
To read the story, click here.
Comments
6 Responses to “‘Fighting For Papa Bear’: Deepwater Horizon Tragedy Through The Eyes Of One Victim’s Family”
This is a touching story. I too have worked for the Oil Companies for over 30 years. The pay is good, far better than you can make locally, but the risks are always there. I truly feel for this man and the other 10 people who lost their lives in this disaster. I hate that the beaches may be damaged and that the people who make their livings from the waters and the beaches face uncertain futures. This is truly a situation where no one wins, but the families of the poor souls who lost their lives are the ones we should remember in our prayers.
Oily birds don’t compare to this story!!! O.K. I’m sorry to all of the bird lovers, but humans trump birds in my book. .
Thank you ,Rick. I use to work the rigs, and it is one of the most dangerous jobs you can have. Your article is truely based on how life out there is. God bless the families of those who have suffered the loss. I have friends of mine who still work out there, and I started calling them as soon as I heard what had happened. Thanks for the insight,they will not be forgotten.
I am so glad that I read this story. I was beginning to think that people were only worried about the oil on the beaches and not the people that died.
I agree..it was a very moving story….im glad that i read it.
Thanks Rick, this was a very moving article. I guess we all have gotten so tied up worrying about the oil spill and the potential damage that we have put those who lost their lives (and their families) on the back burners of our minds. Thank you for reminding us of the human side of this tragedy.