Missing Lake Erie Kayaker Found Dead In MI: Police

MONROE COUNTY, MI — A kayaker who went missing during a storm on Lake Erie last week was found dead over the weekend, according to police.

Search crews found 30-year-old Jesus "Chewy" Sanchez's body in an area south of Point Mouillee on Saturday evening, according to police.

Police said Sanchez was kayaking toward Celeron Island on Lake Erie with two friends on July 3. As they were traveling back to Downriver Marina, a severe storm hit. The storm produced winds up to 70 miles per hour with waves between 10 and 20 feet, causing the group to capsize, according to police.

Two of the kayakers were rescued by passing jet skiers, but Sanchez remained missing, according to police.

Officials searched for over a week, fearing the unpredictable lake currents and the violent weather could have carried him anywhere along the Lake Erie shoreline.

They eventually found Sanchez's body in about three to four feet of water in Lake Erie and about 15 feet from its shore in Berlin Township, according to police.

Officials said the area where the body was located was not accessible by land.

The extensive search was a coordinated effort between the Brownstown Township Police and Fire Departments, the Grosse Ile Police and Fire Departments and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Marine Division.