The search for the body of BYU student Craig Decker at Utah Lake ended Tuesday morning when searchers pulled him out around 9:40. The family held a news conference after the body was found.

Decker's father, Lyle Decker, said he wanted everyone who knew Craig to know the family was OK.

"We want to express our condolences to students on campus who knew and loved him," he said.

He said the family was grateful for all of the support from neighbors and friends, as well as the staff at the state park and the search and rescue team.

"Parks [staff] responded immediately," he said, noting the technology available was also a "tremendous help to pinpoint where he would be."

Craig was studying neuroscience and wanted to become a chiropractor until he lost his hand in a fireworks accident a year and a half ago.

His father said when Decker lost his hand he said, "Dad, I'm not going to be a victim."

He said his son was always laughing and joking, trying to lift other people up. When Decker received his first prosthetic, a hook, he threw a pirate party, he said.

"It was one of his life's mottos," Decker said. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life takes your hand, have a pirate party."

Decker said his son always tried to help people. On his YouTube Web site, captaindanger384, Craig Decker posted videos showing people how to do things with one hand. He also used to do cooking demonstrations at Macey's and continued to do this with one hand.

The family also created the Web site www.craig-decker.com for people to share experiences they've had with Craig Decker. More information about the funeral will posted on the Web site. His father said the service will mostly likely be this weekend in West Jordan, Craig's hometown. However, the family has not yet had time to arrange services. His father said a trust fund and scholarship are being created in his honor.

"The trust fund will be established to assist other people to be the kind of leader he was," he said.

He said his son led with love, vitality and creativity.

Decker liked to call himself "Captain Danger," his father said. "Not because he did dangerous things, but because he was adventurous," he said. Since he lost his hand, Craig Decker participated in scuba diving and was part of the BYU sailing club.

His father said spirituality has helped the whole family be strong throughout the experience.

"With his faith and our faith and the strength of the Lord, this has been a much sweeter experience than it might have been," he said.

Decker's father wanted to express the family's love and appreciation for the kindness and prayers from family and friends.

"Craig is not gone," he said. "This is not an ending."

Copyright Brigham Young University 9 Jul 2008