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Missing kayaker’s body pulled from James River

Posted at 8:56 AM, Aug 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-02 18:07:07-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The body of a missing kayaker was pulled from the James River almost eight hours after he went under water Wednesday morning at Robious Landing Park in Chesterfield County.

The call came in after 7:45 a.m. Wednesday after officials said a witness told them an older adult male was putting his kayak into the river but it floated away. He went to recover it but went under. The life jacket was still on the boat.

As hours passed, the Chesterfield Dive Team's mission shifted from rescue to recovery.

The man's body was pulled from the river at 3:40 p.m., about 50 yards from where he went under.

Officials said the Medical Examiner will determine whether an autopsy is necessary.

The victim's name has not yet been released.

Henrico Police, the lead agency in the incident, said they are working a death investigation.

Virginia State Police also responded to the scene to help with dive and sonar equipment.

The park is located past James River High School and it is frequented often by boaters and swimmers. The water in this area is about eight feet deep.

A group who frequently uses the park for open water swimming canceled the swim scheduled Wednesday night.

The man's kayak was recovered downstream.

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