July 17, 2002 The well-known owner of the Anegada Reef Hotel on Anegada was fatally injured last weekend when a 55-gallon drum he was welding exploded. Lowell Wheatley, 56, died Saturday in Puerto Rico where he had been airlifted following the accident.
Wheatley had built the hotel "from scratch" more than 30 years ago, according to Nick Pourzal, a good friend who made the trip to the remote island frequently to visit.
Wheatley had many friends in the local boating community. The hotel is a favorite stop for term-charter captains, and Wheatley's famous lobster and barbecue dinners were a treat for charter guests who were lucky enough to stop overnight.
Wheatley was originally from Virgin Gorda. He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Lawrence and daughter, Lorraine.
No funeral arrangements have been announced.
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