Lakeport >> The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) confirmed Friday morning that a deputy on life support was pronounced brain dead Thursday afternoon.
Doctors at Enloe Medical Center in Chico determined LCSO Deputy Jake Steely suffered irreversible brain damage after being swept into the ocean Monday, Lt. Steve Brooks reported.
Steely, a nine-year law enforcement veteran at both the Lakeport Police Department and the LCSO, had chosen to be an organ donor. With his family’s approval, he remained on life support as of Friday so that his organs may be donated this week, Brooks said.
He was 39 years old.
While on a family outing on the Mendocino coast Monday, Steely and his 11 year old son ended up in the water, apparently knocked in by a rogue wave. Currents pulled them away from the steep and rocky shoreline.
Quick response by a Mendocino Sheriff’s Office deputy led to the rescue of the boy. Deputy Sean Wristen and another man threw an inflatable device almost 40 feet to reach him. Steely had drifted further out, however.
The Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department had instantly called for jet skis, helicopters and other support vehicles. It required perhaps 15 minutes for the jet skis — equipped with sleds and divers — to reach the scene. By that time Steely was unconscious.
First responders performed CPR on the shore. Steely was then airlifted to the hospital. Brooks had reported initial hopeful signs.
The LCSO, along with several other law enforcement agencies, will escort Steely and his family home to Lake County on Sunday afternoon.
For those wanting to make a donation to assist the Steely family during this time, a GoFundMe account has been set up in Steely’s name at https://www.gofundme.com/29y4dxk4, and a “Dep. Jake Steely Family” account has been opened at Mendo-Lake Credit Union in Lakeport.
Lake County businesses are also involved in fundraising efforts.
All proceeds on Wednesday from Lyndall’s Sports Stop Grill in Kelseyville will be given to LCSO Sheriff Brian Martin to donate to the family.
“We just want to try and do our part, generate an atmosphere of support for this family,” owner Mike Lyndall said. “Everything from the whole day that comes in will be donated. Anything and everything will help.”
He’s also reached out to Cooper Tires and Grocery Outlet in Lakeport to participate, and challenges other Lake County businesses to do the same. Owners can schedule drivers to stop by the businesses and collect donations.
“[Steely] protected and took care of our community,” Lyndall said. Adding that he wants to do the same for his family in their time of need.
To get involved, call (707) 279-0123.
Steely is survived by his wife, Lynda Steely; children, Alexsandria Calbreath, Braiden Wayment, Tori Wayment, Nia Steely and Ty Steely; brother, Caleb Steely and David Laird; sisters, Anna Mix, Leabeth York, Abigail Steely, Becky Steely and Deborah Langley; Parents Luke and Karen Steely; grandmother, Marian Steely.
Cards and condolences will be accepted at the LCSO at 1220 Martin Street, Lakeport, CA 95453.
