Officials: Body of missing kayaker recovered from Catawba River

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The body of a missing kayaker was recovered from the Catawba River Saturday, officials said.

Rescue crews were called to the U.S National Whitewater Center around 3:30 p.m. after the victim's family called 911 and said the man, believed to be in his early 20s, went into the water and never resurfaced.

IMAGES: Crews respond to drowning near Whitewater Center

Officials later learned the man had gotten out of his kayak on an island and then for an unknown reason went into the water.

"He got out of his kayak and swam to a buoy, where his family said he went under water," said Capt. Jackie Gilmore of the Charlotte Fire Department.

Crews searched the water using boats and a dive team.

Officials said they found the man's body with the help of sonar equipment.

"He was located about 10 feet underwater near the buoy," Gilmore said.

Authorities ruled the kayaker's death an accidental drowning. His name has not been released.

A statement issued by the Whitewater Center said, in part: "On behalf of the U.S. National Whitewater Center, we wish to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the young man involved in today’s incident. We will continue to assist local authorities in any way we can."

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