RedactedNarrative: On 7/11/2017 at 1832 MT I was notified by ALEA Central Communication Center of a missing person on the Tallapoosa River below Thurlow Dam in Tallassee, AL. I spoke with a member of the Tallassee Fire Department and was advised that a kayaker had overturned and had not been seen since.  He stated that the incident had occurred about 1630 MT. According to F.D. personnel, a kayak, paddle and life jacket were found down river from the scene of the accident.  I was also advised that the search was going to be called off for the day momentarily due to darkness and weather concerns (lightning in the area).
   
  On 7/12/2017, I arrived at the scene of the staging area at approximately 0810 MT.  At approximately 1010 MT the body was located by ALEA Aviation unit approximately three (3) miles south of the dam.  The body was recovered and brought back to the boat ramp behind AES Manufacuring in Tallassee, AL. Tallassee P.D. investigators and the Elmore County Coroner examined the body for signs of foul play and noted none.
  
  As reported by witnesses Victim and a friend were kayaking down the Tallapoosa south of Thurlow Dam.  The two got caught in swirling water and their vessels capsized. Friend was able to make it to shore and last saw Victim floating ahead holding on to a life jacket. At that time Friend left the area to go get help. He also stated that he and Victim  had been abusing crystal methamphetamine for the past two weeks. About an hour later Tallassee P.D. was notified of the incident and responded to begin a search. 
  
  A second witness saw the two men kayaking and observed them become dislodged from their vessels at approximately 1625. According to her she saw them both float down the river and out of sight.
  
  According to Victims family members (not on scene), the victim could not swim.
  