MAYFIELD — The Mayfield man who drowned Friday while rescuing his daughter on Sacandaga Lake was a local pastor with four children who “loved selflessly,” according to a fundraiser set up in his name to help cover funeral expenses.
Albert Adamkoski Jr., 47, was boating on Sacandaga Lake near Beacon Island around 4 p.m. on July 8 when witnesses say he jumped from his pontoon boat to save his daughter who was screaming for help, according to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, one of a handful of rescue agencies that responded to the incident.
Police say Adamkoski was able to reach the child and handed her off to a bystander, but disappeared under the water seconds later and never resurfaced. State Police are continuing to investigate.
A GoFundMe established by Adamkoski’s sister, Stacey Brooker, to help cover the cost of funeral and burial services states that Adamkoski was on a family outing with some friends, and four children were playing on a sandbar while the boat was docked. The children slipped off and began struggling in the current.
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Ensure access to everything we do, today and every day, check out our subscribe page at DailyGazette.com/SubscribeThree of the children were rescued, but one of Adamkoski’s daughter’s continued to drift farther from shore, according to the fundraiser page, which has collected more than $8,000 in donations as of Sunday afternoon.
“Albert sprung to action as he quickly swam to her as she was going under. He lifted her above the water but took in a lot of water as he swam her to a bystander who helped to bring her in,” the post reads. “As he passed her off, he submerged into the water and did not resurface.”
Brooker did not return a message seeking comment Sunday.
Adamkoski leaves behind a wife and four children, ages 6 to 13.
He was the pastor of the Log Cabin Church along Progress Road and purchased Lakeview Orchards a year ago, according to the fundraiser. Phone calls into both locations were not successful Sunday.
“He (Adamkoski) was avid in his faith and loved selflessly, serving God and helping others to know Jesus,” the fundraiser reads.
Calling hours for Adamkoski will be held Wednesday beginning at 1:30 p.m. for family and from 2-4 p.m. for friends. A funeral service will follow from 4-6 p.m. at The Log Cabin Church located at 413 Progress Road, Gloversville.
Donations can be made online at: https://bit.ly/3RqfYT6.
Contact reporter Chad Arnold at: 518-410-5117 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @ChadGArnold.
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Condolences to his family and friends.