EAGLE LAKE, Fla. (Gray News) – The body of an 18-year-old kayaker who “disappeared in the water” was recovered on Monday, according to authorities in Florida.
The Marine Unit from Polk County Sheriff’s Office searched for Aaron Tillman who went missing on Lake McCloud Sunday afternoon. Polk County Fire Rescue and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in the search.
Tillman was kayaking with a 19-year-old woman about 150 yards from the shore in water that was about 12 to 15 deep, according to authorities. Neither were wearing life jackets and Tillman’s family told authorities that he could not swim and had never been on a kayak.
The woman told deputies that she jumped into the water from the kayak to swim and when she resurfaced, she saw Tillman in the water and struggling to stay afloat. She told detectives that she did not know if he fell or intentionally got in.
The woman and another witness tried to help Tillman, but they said he “disappeared in the water.”
“Please continue to keep his family and friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Tillman was a student at Ambassadors Christian Academy and a member of the football and wrestling teams.
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