Family speaks on loss of Iraq War hero

GOWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Sergeant James Hackemer's family says he died doing something he loved, and federal investigators are trying to figure out what went wrong.

Ones of James Hackemer's said it best on Saturday when she told News 4 there was no better way, if you can imagine such a thing, for her brother to go - at a moment when he was completely happy.

Army Sergeant James Hackemer lived without boundaries, without restraints.

His sister, Jody Hackemer, said, "He wasn't limited. So really, that's all he wanted. He wanted to just push forward and do as much as he could. He didn't hold back."

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More stories:

>> Question remain after the death of Sgt. Hackemer Friday night

>> Sgt. Hackemer spent three years in rehab before finally returning home this past April

>> A look back at the life and recovery of the Iraq War hero

>> Witnesses describe the tragic accident at Darien Lake

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James wasn't holding back on Friday during a trip to Darien Lake with his family. He made up his mind that he wanted to get on the Ride of Steel, and that was that. His sisters say once he made up his mind to do anything, there was no denying him.

"James is really hard to say no to," said Jody.

James had only been home for about four months. He spent the previous three years going from treatment facility to treatment facility, recovering from injuries he suffered during an IED blast in Iraq in 2008. The Darien Lake trip was just one part of him getting back to the life he wanted.

Jody said, "We've all said this all day today, is however long he was on that ride, a minute, a minute and a half, it had to have been the best time in the last three and a half years. It was the only time in the last three and a half years that he felt completely normal again."

James' sisters don't blame the amusement park, nor are they angry with their brother. How can they possibly cope so well? They do it by remembering something their brother said.

"I know that God has been there since the beginning. There's been a hand on me since the beginning. I want them to know that he is there for everybody, no matter what they're going through, know that he's always there by your side. So if you're down, turn to him, he'll pick you right back up," said James.

James' family have not made arrangements for his funeral at this time. The investigation into the accident continues. The Ride of Steel and surrounding area remain closed Saturday night.

Darien Lake released this statement Saturday afternoon:
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is truly saddened by the incident that occurred yesterday on Ride of Steel. The park is working closely with state and local authorities and expects to provide further information, in partnership with appropriate agencies, once the investigation has been completed. There is no way to predict how long the process will take but the family, our guests, and our team members can be confident that it is being undertaken with all due diligence.

“On behalf of Darien Lake, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of U.S. Army veteran James Thomas Hackemer,” said Darien Lake Theme Park Resort General Manager Chris Thorpe. “We are all brokenhearted by this tragic accident and will continue our support of both the family and the investigation.”

Support is being provided internally to any team member impacted by the incident. Guests who were at Darien Lake and witness to the incident on Ride of Steel are encouraged to contact the park to provide information or seek assistance by calling 585-599-5120 or emailing support@godarienlake.com.