By Tunomukwathi Asino
WINDHOEK -The police on Sunday found the body of an American man who drowned at the Epupa Falls in the Kunene River on December 31.
The victim is John Peterson, 24, a Peace Corp volunteer.
His body was recovered about 15 kilometres west of Epupa Falls.
On Monday the Peace Corp office of press relations stated that the Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet is “saddened to confirm the death of Peace Corps volunteer John D. L. Petersen. John, 24, passed away in a swimming accident while visiting northern Namibia on Dec. 31, 2014.”
The director described Peterson as someone who was “passionate about helping others and dedicated to making the world a better place.”
“He was an exceptional Peace Corps volunteer of great integrity who poured his heart and soul into building relationships with his Namibian community so he could make a difference. We are devastated by his loss, and the thoughts and prayers of the entire Peace Corps community are with the Petersen family during this difficult time,” Hessler-Radelet added.
Peterson is from Westborough, in the state of Massachusetts. He served as a small enterprise and entrepreneurship development volunteer in Namibia.
His older brother and his parents, Sally and Robert Petersen, survive him.