Crews end search for reportedly missing kayaker

Local and statewide emergency crews searched Rocky Fork Creek for over an hour Sunday afternoon after receiving a report of an alleged overturned kayak. However, following search and investigation, it is not believed that a person was actually missing in the water.

Chief Bradley George of the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District, and Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward said that crews responded to the areas of Seven Caves and the Highland Nature Sanctuary after receiving a report that a kayaker may have overturned into the rain-swollen creek at approximately 3:45 p.m.

"We received a report that there was an unmanned kayak seen in Rocky Fork Creek, and apparently what an individual described as some people or person in distress," Ward said. "Obviously they called 911. Nothing has been located."

George said that emergency crews were clearing the scene at approximately 4:45 p.m.

"So far, nothing has been found, but we're still following up on information received," Ward said. "The scene has been turned over to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources."

The Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District, Highland County Sheriff's Office, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, and water rescue units out of Chillicothe and Ross County "checked the bridge around US 50 and Falls Road," George said.

"We didn't find anything in our areas," he said. "Ross county checked all the areas they cold between the bridge and back to Chillicothe. Air Evac (from Georgetown) flew the length of the creek all the way back from Seven Caves to Chillicothe."

George said they found no witnesses or anyone specifically reported missing. However, they did find a group of kayakers that reported one person in their group had overturned, but was fine.

"That may have been what they heard (when it was reported someone was in distress)," George said. "We did find one kayak, but from the condition it was in and where it was located, we think it floated out into the creek from the rains we've received."

George said, "I even put one of my guys who is an experienced kayaker in the water. He went in up above where the report came in and ran (in the kayak) all the way down the creek."

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is in charge of the investigation, as it occurred in a state waterway. George said the Ohio Division of Watercraft also responded to the scene.

When asked if the waters were safe for kayaks and other recreational crafts following the recent rainfall and rise in the creek's water level, George said for experienced kayakers the creek should be fine with safety precautions.

"You'd have to ask an experienced kayaker to be certain, but from what they've said today, if you know the water and know the area, if not a little more extreme, days like today seem to be what they like," George said.