Benjamin "Ben" Suddard, longtime local oyster farmer, has died from injuries suffered in a Christmas Eve kiteboarding accident off Little Harbor Beach. 

Driven by the wind into rocks at the beach, Suddard suffered severe injuries and was airlifted from Tobey Hospital to a trauma center. He died on Jan. 6.

Suddard was born in Wareham and attended Wareham Public Schools before enrolling at Tabor Academy. Suddard was a lifelong sports enthusiast, spending time sailing, cycling, skiing, kiteboarding, and flying a 1946 airplane.

Suddard worked as a teacher for 17 years before owning and operating B and B Fish, an oyster growing and harvesting company.