Brittany Lynch, Journalist
SMITH COUNTY and PUTNAM COUNTY, TN — The search for a missing kayaker from Putnam County ends Sunday morning as his body is found on a bank in Smith County.
According to reports, a father and son, both from Putnam County were kayaking down the Caney Fork River on April 28 near Betty Island in Smith County when unfortunately both kayaks were overturned. Reporter state that the father was helped by witnesses nearby but the son was swept away down stream.
Rescue squads from Putnam, Smith and Jackson counties were dispatched to find the 18-year old. According to reports, the identity of the victim was Tyler Flanary. Efforts were abandoned as night time approached but were picked up again Sunday morning. The kayaker’s body was allegedly found by rescuers at 7 A.M. on a bank near Kirby Road in Smith County.
The identities of the father and son have not been released at this time. According to reports, both were not wearing life vests.
More details to come as they are released.