UPDATE 09/04/2021:

     A body was recovered from the White River today in Izard County that is believed to be the missing kayaker who has been presumed drowned since 08/28/2021.  The clothing, jewelry, and certain identifying markings on the body match that of the missing man, 29 year old DALTON EDWARDS of Beaumont, Texas.

     The body was located at approximately 9:30 AM this morning by fishermen on an area of the White River that is South of Calico Rock in Izard County.  Izard County authorities recovered the body from the water.  The body is being sent by the Coroner's Office to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner's Office in Little Rock for autopsy to confirm the identity and determine cause of death.

Original Release 08/28/2021:

     Personnel from multiple agencies have been searching the White River since early Saturday afternoon for a possible drowning victim.  

     Authorities were notified at approximately 1:10 PM today from a caller on River Valley Trail that a man had gone under in the White River and did not come back to the surface.

     Rescue personnel responded to the location and began searching for the man.  They were told that the man was kayaking with others when he tipped over in the river, began struggling, and then went under.  The Sheriff's Office helicopter was launched and searched from the air for several hours, while other rescue personnel searched by boat.  The man who is missing is 29 years old from Beaumont, Texas.

     All generators were in operation at the Bull Shoals Dam, and the water level in the White River was high and the current swift.  Although the generators were shut down after the incident, it will take many hours for the water level to subside down river.

    The man has not been located as of this time.  The search is ongoing until dark and will resume Sunday morning if necessary.

Sheriff John Montgomery