On Thursday December 28th five kayakers put in at the buckhorn dam (lat 35.5393213, long -78.9902956) on the ncwrc chatham game lands. At around 14:30 the kayakers flipped and victim was later reported missing to ncwrc at approximately 15:45. Interviews were completed on the four surviving kayakers from the incident.

Based on the interviews conducted the five individuals, they were kayaking on the cape fear river entering just south of the buckhorn dam around 13:45. The group was floating south down river with the current. victim had a fishing pole sitting vertically in a holder in his kayak. Upon going underneath tree branches the fishing pole became hung up. Then victim attempted to free the fishing rod but the heavy current caused the boat to become unstable causing victim to fall overboard. 

This occurred at approximately (latitude 35.53392, longitude -78.98299). The others close by attempted to help victim causing them to fall into the water as well. They were able to swim to safety but victim was unable to grab any flotation devices or trees. He then was swept underneath the water by the current and was not seen again. Officials were notified at approximately 15:00 on december the 24th and have continued search until the body was recovered by officials on january 3rd at the location of (lat 35.514853 , long -78.965538 ).

No one was charged as a result of this incident. All safety equipment was onboard, and pfd''s were readily accessible. It appears no drugs or alcohol were involved. Based on the facts this event concluded in an unfortunate mishap that resulted in the death of victim.

CAPE FEAR RIVER
SANFORD                       