The Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association is now equipped with a life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED), thanks to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation (CCF) and a network of long-standing community connections rooted in Florida’s airboating community.
Chris Worthen, president of the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association, has served in that role for five years and is a lifelong resident of Indian River County. Worthen began airboating at the age of 16 and has been involved with the association—founded more than 30 years ago—for many years. The club’s mission is to preserve Florida’s wetlands while promoting safe and responsible airboating.
During the association’s Unity Weekend in Okeechobee, Worthen delivered the club’s annual report, emphasizing the importance of member safety. He shared that the club had begun CPR training but was still in need of an AED to have available at club events and on the water.
That message reached the right ears.
Brad Weihrauch, Vice President of the Florida Airboat Association and a 20-year member, heard the need during the Florida Airboat Association meeting. Weihrauch, who has also been involved with the Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association for decades, immediately reached out to Culpepper Cardiac Foundation to see if assistance was possible.
Worthen had personally experienced how critical immediate cardiac care can be. He had recently survived two heart attacks in two days and required a stent in his widowmaker artery. Additionally, the Indian River Airboat Association had dealt with a life-threatening emergency involving a member on the lake, further reinforcing the urgency of having an AED readily available.
While the process took time—approximately six months—the request never stalled. Communication between Weihrauch, Worthen, and Culpepper Cardiac Foundation began moving forward, fueled by shared connections and a long history of community collaboration.
Those connections trace back years, including a fundraiser held at The Apple Lounge & Grill to honor the late Toby Pope, also known as “Skeeter Eater.” The fundraiser, made possible by Tim Leopard and supported by Jay Pope, Niki Pope Fernandez, and friends from across the state, helped raise funds to build the Pope Pavilion on Lake Hatchineha in Haines City. Mutual friends, including Sara Michaels, played key roles in connecting people who would later work together again for this AED donation.
On Tuesday, January 20, Melanie Culpepper traveled more than two hours to Marsh Landing Restaurant to officially present AED #84 to the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association. She was joined by her husband Brian, along with Brad Weihrauch, his wife Danamarie, Worthen and his wife, and several association members.
During the presentation, Worthen introduced Culpepper to the club members, who listened as she shared the story behind Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and the importance of heart awareness and rapid response in emergencies. Weihrauch also spoke, reflecting on how long-standing relationships and shared experiences led to this moment.
“Big thanks to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, Melanie, Brian and Brad Weihrauch for making this happen,” Worthen said. This AED will help protect the members and could save a life. He added, “I look forward to working with this group in the future.”
With the addition of the AED, the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association is better prepared to keep its members safe while continuing its mission of preserving Florida’s wetlands and airboating heritage.
