An Edmonds businessman attending a boat convention in New Orleans was found beaten to death in an apparent robbery less than a block from the hotel where he was staying, police said Thursday.
Tom Breiwick, president of Seattle-based Pacific Marine Equipment, was attacked shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, New Orleans Police Department Capt. Marlon Defillo said.
A group of people walking by found his body on the sidewalk in front of a condominium complex. Breiwick, 56, died at the scene.
"This was a huge shock," said his brother, Jeff Breiwick of Mountlake Terrace. "It just seems like such a random thing. … It sounds like someone was after quick cash and went after my brother."
Tom Breiwick’s wallet and cell phone were missing, leading investigators to believe robbery was the motive for the attack. Breiwick, who was apparently walking back to his hotel, died of massive blunt trauma to the head, according to the New Orleans coroner’s office.
Officers believe the attack happened shortly before his body was discovered, because many people walk and drive through the area in downtown New Orleans. No arrests have been made, Defillo said.
Tom Breiwick was in town for the International WorkBoat Show at the convention center in New Orleans, convention officials said. The annual five-day event started Tuesday and attracts more than 11,000 marine industry executives from around the world.
Tom Breiwick flew to New Orleans Tuesday morning after dinner with his family Monday night, his brother said.
"He thought family was very important. He was a very loving brother and husband, and his stepdaughters really appreciated him," Jeff Breiwick said.
Tom Breiwick traveled often for business, and he and his wife, Linda, took trips together to Africa, Europe and Asia, his brother said.
"They just got back from Ireland and Denmark. They’ve been down the Zambezi River" in Mozambique, Africa, Jeff Breiwick said. "Nothing like this has ever happened."
Along with his wife, Breiwick is survived by stepdaughters Leigh Brinkley, 31, and Jennifer Brinkley, 29. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday in Ballard.
The Times-Picayune of New Orleans contributed to this article.
Reporter Katherine Schiffner: 425-339-3436 or
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