UPDATE: Body of missing kayaker found

A Garland County Sheriff's Department patrol unit. - File photo by The Sentinel-Record
A Garland County Sheriff's Department patrol unit. - File photo by The Sentinel-Record

UPDATE

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The body of a kayaker who capsized Sunday on Lake DeSoto in Hot Springs Village was recovered Tuesday morning after a three-day search, HSV Police Chief Ricky Middleton said in a news release.

At around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers and the Hot Springs Fire Department dive team recovered the body of Andrew Maestas, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn., and the Garland County coroner was called to the scene.

“This was a very unfortunate accident,” Middleton said in the release. “Our prayers go out to the families involved.”

Middleton also expressed his thanks to all the responding agencies that assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts, including the HSV police and fire departments, Garland County Sheriff’s Office, Piney Fire Department, Jessieville Fire Department and Arkansas Game and Fish.

According to an earlier release, around 12:51 p.m. Sunday, village police were dispatched to 102 Alba Lane regarding two people who had capsized in their kayaks. A female, identified as Olivia Sheffler, was rescued and transported to a local hospital while the search began for the second person, identified as Maestas.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- One of two kayakers who reportedly capsized on Lake DeSoto in Hot Springs Village shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday was still missing on Monday, HSV Police Chief Ricky Middleton said in a news release.

At around 12:51 p.m. Sunday, officers with the Hot Springs Village Police were dispatched to 102 Alba Lane regarding two individuals who capsized their kayaks on Lake DeSoto, he said.

When officers arrived, two local residents, one in a kayak and another in a larger boat, were assisting a female, identified as Olivia Sheffler, age not listed, to the shore. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The second person, identified as Andrew Maestas, 22, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was still missing, Middleton said.

Members of the Hot Springs Village Fire Department, Garland County Sheriff's Office, Piney Fire Department, Jessieville Fire Department and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also responded to the scene to assist in search and rescue efforts which were continuing on Monday.

"As we continue our search for Andrew, may our prayers be with the family," Middleton said.


Upcoming Events