Family Left With Heavy Hearts After Veteran Found In Hudson River

HOBOKEN, NJ — Even when he was a little boy, Jaime Kwebetchou understood that the most important treasure in life isn't “things”… it’s people. This inspiring attitude, as well as his love for adventure, are just a few of the many reasons why Kwebetchou’s family and friends will miss him dearly.

On May 15, Kwebetchou’s body was found in the Hudson River near Pier A in Hoboken. The 27-year-old Maryland resident and U.S. Air Force veteran was reported missing to the Baltimore Police Department the previous week. He was last seen at Wicked Wolf Tavern and Mike's Wild Moose Saloon in Hoboken, authorities said.

The case is still under investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, police said Sunday.

• See related article: Missing Man's Body Found In Hudson River Near Hoboken

Kwebetchou’s family has since launched an online fundraising campaign to help pay for funeral expenses. As of Thursday, it’s raised more than $3,500. (See the campaign or make a donation here)

Bereaved family and friends offered the following tribute to Kwebetchou on their GoFundMe campaign:

“Son, brother, uncle, friend...just a few words to describe our beloved Jaime… Jaime was full of life and always ready for an adventure. His love for travel and adventure led him to become a United States Airman, serving with dignity and honor while traveling the world. Jaime was friendly, funny, compassionate and loved by many. His passion for general knowledge, history, and people grew into his passion of teaching students oversees. It is with a heavy heart that we now have to lay Jaime to rest. He was young, free-spirited, and lived life to the fullest. Jaime had a heart for serving and helping others, now we must do the same for him. Please help us send Jaime on his final adventure.”

The Kwebetchou family told Patch that Jaime always emphasized the importance of the human spirit.

“Whether you met Jaime on an airplane, through the Air Force, or through many of the neighborhoods he's lived in throughout our childhood, his quick wit, general knowledge, and his ability to genuinely listen to understand (without judgment and positive energy) will forever live on in each of us,” they wrote in an email.

“Jaime has created history and will always be remembered and loved by family, friends and acquaintances across our global community,” they emphasized.

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