Westborough Native, Peace Corps Volunteer Dies in Swimming Accident

Photo via U.S. Peace Corps

A Westborough native has died in a swimming accident while visiting northern Namibia, confirmed the Peace Corps in a statement. John D. L. Petersen, 24, was visiting Namibia as a volunteer with the Peace Corps, and died on Dec. 31, 2014.

“John was passionate about helping others and dedicated to making the world a better place,” Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said in the release. “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.”

Petersen’s body was found between rocks on the Kunene River, according to the New York Times. He worked with the locals to build small businesses there.

News 24 reported that divers and helicopters searched for Petersen after he was reported missing in a remote area near the Epupa waterfalls, which is home to a nomadic Himba tribe.

Situated on the southwestern coast of Africa, Namibia neighbors Angola and Zambia in the north, South Africa in the south and to the east, Botswana.

Petersen worked at the Community Skills Development Center in Namibia, and staff remembers him as humble, quiet, smiling and polite. He earned the level of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and also served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Graduating magna cum laude from Marist College, he earned a presidential scholarship and was on the dean’s list. He was passionate about community service, woodworking, environmental conservation and photography. Petersen leave behind an older brother Mark and parents Sally and Robert.