Over $40,000 raised to help find Massapequa man believed to have drowned in Washington State
Austin Valenti, the brother of the victim, says he has organized 12 different groups that are willing to send some of their resources.
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Over $40,000 raised to help find Massapequa man who believed to have drowned in Washington State
Austin Valenti, the brother of the victim, says he has organized 12 different groups that are willing to send some of their resources.
The brother of a Massapequa man who is believed to have drowned in Washington State says people from all over the country are willing to help bring his loved one home.
Travis Valenti, 37, is believed to have drowned just days after getting engaged on a trip with his fiancée.
Austin Valenti, the brother of the victim, says he has organized 12 different groups that are willing to send some of their resources.
"It is nice to know that people that don't even know you from a hole in the wall are willing to pick up everything and go across the country to find a loved one," Austin Valenti says. "That is very nice and it's a nice feeling to know that people actually care."
A search-and-rescue team in Idaho has offered to help. In the 28 years that Gene and Sandy Ralston have done underwater search and recovery, they have found 128 bodies in the United States and Canada.
They deploy solar equipment, which allows them to see images of the bottom of the water off a boat.
The Ralstons say they hope to bring the family closure and say they should have a "very good chance" of finding Travis Valenti.
Since News 12's story first aired Tuesday, over $40,000 has been raised toward the search and rescue teams heading out to find Travis Valenti. Once he is brought home, the funds will help the family with a proper memorial.
Olympic National Park in Washington State has to approve the applications for permits to search Lake Crescent, where Travis Valenti was last seen.
Austin Valenti hopes that process can be expedited.
To donate to the Valenti's cause, click here.
