Body of missing kayaker recovered from Kern River over a month after tragic incident
By Dennis E. Powell
The body of a Meigs County man was found at approximately 6:40 this morning about 200 yards downstream of the Hocking River falls at White’s Mill on Athens’ West Side. The body was recovered from the water shortly thereafter.
Steve Lippson, 40, of Racine, Ohio, had been kayaking with an extended family group on the Hocking River Saturday when he and several others were swept over the short but powerful waterfall near White’s Mill. All but Lippson made it to the shore, some with the help of first responders, and a search of the river for Lippson took place from Saturday to early morning Tuesday.
Lippson’s body was discovered by an OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital employee, according to a news release from the Athens County Emergency Management Agency.
“Mr. Lippson’s body was recovered at 7:30 a.m. by the Athens Fire Department, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Athens Police Department, and the Athens County Coroner’s Office,” the release said.
An earlier release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported that the incident was still under investigation, and the cause of death was pending an autopsy by the coroner.
Stephanie Leis, a spokesperson with ODNR, said Tuesday that Lippson had been out on the water with “family and friends,” and said that they had launched their kayaks at the “West State Canoe Portage” on the Hocking River (presumably the portage located at West State Street Park).
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{p}The Kern County Sheriff’s Office announced the body of the kayaker that has been in the Kern River since June 14 was recovered Thursday, July 27. PHOTO: KCSO{/p}
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) —
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office announced the body of the kayaker that has been in the Kern River since June 14 was recovered Thursday, July 27.
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KCSO said Kern Valley Search and Rescue (SAR) and China Lake SAR were called to assist Tulare County SAR around 11 a.m. to recover the body of
the kayaker.
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