Tragic Paddleboarding Accident Claims Life of Beloved Nantucket Resident
A local legend known for his kindness and contributions to the community has passed away after a tragic paddleboarding accident on a Nantucket beach. The body of Somwong Kyomitmaitee, affectionately called Wong or the “King of Shing” for his exterior contracting business, was discovered on the shoreline of Polpis Harbor in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on October 1.
Wong’s wife, Kob Sathitanon, reported him missing at 2:58 pm after he failed to return from checking on a boat moored in the harbor that morning. A search was initiated by the Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey and the Coast Guard Station Brant Point, according to reports.
Harbormaster Lucey mentioned that they first found Wong’s paddleboard and then his body in the marsh area of the shoreline. He was unresponsive and received first aid until fire department crews arrived.
“The missing person was unfortunately determined to be deceased and was not transported to Nantucket Cottage Hospital by the Nantucket Fire Department,” said Nantucket Police Department Lieutenant Angus MacVicar. “This case has been received by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and does not appear to be suspicious.”
Medical helicopters from Cape Cod were initially dispatched but later deemed unnecessary, as per a report obtained by the outlet. The community has rallied around Wong’s family, raising over $111,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
Sam Nipatnantaporn, who started the fundraiser for Kyomitmaitee and referred to him as her uncle, shared her gratitude with the Nantucket Current. She said, “We have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the Nantucket community and those from afar who have contributed to the GoFundMe to help Wong’s family.”
“The money we have raised for Wong’s wife and their son, Justice, is just a small testament to how loved he was and the impact that he had. The donations will make a huge difference in their lives and for Justice’s higher education aspirations.”
The crowdfunding effort has received over 440 donations so far, with some top donors contributing $5,000 or more. Residents of Kyomitmaitee’s community mourned his loss online, sharing heartfelt messages:
- “What a beautiful person and loss to our community. He made me smile every time I saw him.”
- “He would always throw a wave and a smile. And there were countless occasions he would swing by and drop off a present of fish or bushes for my yard. I have six plants in my yard from him. I will have to take extra special care of them to keep his spirit and friendship alive. He will be missed. This absolutely breaks my heart.”
- “I lost a dear friend in Wong and one of the most selfless humans to walk this earth, RIP until we meet again in heaven, my friend.”
Kyomitmaitee grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, and moved to Las Vegas at the age of 19. According to an interview he gave with the Nantucket Historical Association, he eventually made his way to Boston, where he washed dishes for a man named Chin. Chin opened a restaurant in Nantucket in 1989 and invited Kyomitmaitee to join him.
The craftsman agreed and became a chef at the restaurant in Massachusetts before finding work with a local contractor. He later started his own business. In the interview, he shared, “And Nantucket taught me a lot. So never feel sorry one second that I am here today. And I did really well compared with – every time I go back to Thailand people think I was a Donald Trump. Million Dollar Man and (unclear).”
“I go, ‘no, no. I’m not rich at home. I’m happy and I have what I focus for. I have what I mission for and have a happy family. And place I am is great.’ So they, ‘oh, Nantucket!’ They all wanted to come.”
Lobsterman Dan Pronk, a longtime friend of Kyomitmaitee, told the Inquirer and Mirror that his friend “eventually becoming the go-to guy for exterior contracting on-island. Over several decades he became beloved by many.”
In addition to his contracting business, Kyomitmaitee also founded the Nantucket Trading Post.
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