Dead paddleboarder near Key Biscayne identified as husband of Palmetto Bay candidate
The 57-year-old paddleboarder who went missing in Key Biscayne Friday has been found, the United States Coast Guard announced Sunday.
The Coast Guard says they were notified by a good Samaritan who spotted the “unresponsive” man in the water late Saturday. Officials say he matched the description of 57-year-old Douglas Tellam, who crews had been searching for since his wife reported him missing Friday morning.
Tellam is the husband of Leanne Tellam, a vice mayor candidate in Palmetto Bay. His death was later confirmed on Facebook by his friend Bruce Marx, as well as several other loved ones.
“I am saddened to announce that earlier tonight, Doug Tellam was located and is now with the angels. This is an incredible loss for his family and friends. Thanks to all the members of the fishing community, as well as law enforcement, who were involved with the efforts to find Doug. Rest In Peace my friend,” Marx wrote.
Marx, who had been posting continuous updates about the search for Tellam, made another post Sunday thanking law enforcement and the members of South Florida’s fishing and boating community for their help.
“Doug is now at peace and it will take some time for everyone to process the extent of this tremendous loss. Doug will be sorely missed by many. Please keep the Tellam family in your prayers as they work through this,” Marx wrote. “Leanne Frazee Tellam please know that we all grieve along side of you and the family and are standing by to assist in any way we can. Rest In Peace Doug Tellam. You were a great friend and a great man.”
Kelly Maloney Fullerton, a family friend, said Tellam’s wife “is requesting time for their family to process this unbelievable tragedy privately.”
“Heartbroken beyond words to share that the body of Douglas Tellam has been recovered,” As can be imagined, Leanne and their children have had a very rough few days,” Fullerton wrote on Facebook. “The Tellam family will need us, this village of love, to support them in the coming weeks and months. “
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 6:59 PM.
