The body of a missing kayaker, who crews had been searching for since Saturday night, was found Sunday.
According to Matt Eiselstein, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), two men in their 20s went missing at around 6:15 p.m. at the West Branch State Park. Eiselstein said they were kayaking when their kayaks capsized.
One of the kayakers was rescued and assisted by a fisherman. ODNR crews searchED until 1 a.m. and suspended the search, before beginning again at 8 a.m. to look for the second man, identified by the Portage County Coroner as 20-year-old Luke Collins, of Medina.
An ODNR ranger confirmed late Sunday morning that Collins was found dead.
Portage County Coroner Chief Investigator Tom Decker said the preliminary cause of death is drowning. An autopsy will be performed to determine the official cause of death.
Officials said crews, including Portage and Summit County dive teams as well as Kent and Paris Township fire departments, were involved in the search. The Portage County Sheriff's Department is also investigating.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
