Body Found 420 Feet Underwater Over a Year After Man Vanished While Kayaking with Friend

Body Found 420 Feet Underwater Over a Year After Man Vanished While Kayaking

A tragic discovery has been made in Jackson Lake, Wyoming, where a body was found 420 feet underwater, believed to be that of Wesley Dopkins. The 43-year-old man had gone missing in June 2024 while kayaking with a friend. Wesley Dopkins, a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, was last seen on June 15, 2024, attempting to kayak across Jackson Lake with a companion. Their aim was to view Waterfalls Canyon on the west shore when Dopkins mysteriously disappeared. The authorities launched a search for Dopkins after his foldable kayak, paddle, and dry bag were found floating near Moose Island close to Leeks Marina.

Despite extensive efforts to locate Dopkins in 2024, he remained missing for over a year. However, a recent development has shed some light on his disappearance. A non-profit organisation named Bruce’s Legacy, founded by Keith Cormican in memory of his late brother Bruce, discovered a body on September 7, which is believed to be that of Wesley Dopkins. The challenging task of retrieving the remains, submerged at a depth of 420 feet, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions but was successfully completed the following day in collaboration with local authorities.

The tragic incident unfolded while Dopkins and his friend were kayaking, which resulted in their separation as they only had one personal flotation device between them. Dopkins, believing himself to be the stronger swimmer, selflessly offered the device to his friend, who survived and alerted authorities at Leeks Marina about Dopkins’ disappearance. Dopkins’ personal belongings were later found washed ashore.

Following the distressing disappearance of Dopkins in June 2024, his mother, Kathryn Dopkins, issued a plea for help in locating her son. Bruce’s Legacy commenced the search operation in October 2024, facing complex underwater terrains that posed significant challenges. Despite a temporary halt to the search due to technical obstacles, the team resumed their efforts a year later with the aid of sonar technology, ultimately leading to the discovery of the remains.

While the official identification of the remains is pending confirmation by the Teton County Coroner’s Office, preliminary assessments by the National Park Service suggest that the body indeed belongs to Wesley Dopkins. The retrieval of Dopkins’ remains marks the end of a poignant chapter for his family, who can now bring him back home to Wisconsin for a proper farewell.

The tragic fate of Wesley Dopkins serves as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with water activities and the importance of safety measures while engaging in such adventures. The unwavering dedication of search and rescue teams, along with the support of volunteer organisations like Bruce’s Legacy, highlights the importance of community efforts in times of crisis. As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding Dopkins’ disappearance, his loved ones can finally begin the process of closure and remembrance for their lost family member.