North Carolina State Parks and the Town of Lake Waccamaw announced Tuesday that searchers recovered the body of a kayaker reported missing Monday.
Erick Ross, 25, of South Carolina, was reported missing after an abandoned kayak was found near one of Lake Waccamaw's boat ramps at approximately 4:45 p.m. Monday. His cell phone and other personal belongings were found inside the kayak.
Lake Waccamaw State Park staff, along with Town of Lake Waccamaw public safety and emergency personnel, conducted a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation. The search was paused at around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning and resumed at 7 a.m. Ross’ body was recovered around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Approximately 20 agencies assisted with the search effort, including agencies from Columbus, Brunswick, Nash, New Hanover, and Union counties.
"On behalf of the Town of Lake Waccamaw, we extend our deepest sympathies to Erick's family and loved ones during this difficult and tragic time," said Emergency Management Director Chase Lancaster. "We want to thank North Carolina State Parks, the Columbus County Sheriff's Office, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and all the other responding agencies for their dedication, response, and assistance throughout the search."
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult and tragic time,” Mayor Greg Jacobs said. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking situation.”
The Town of Lake Waccamaw asks the public to respect the privacy of Ross’s family and loved ones as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. No additional information is available at this time.
About the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation, with a vision to connect generations with nature through exceptional outdoor experiences. The state parks system features 35 state parks, 26 state natural areas, four state recreation areas, seven state lakes, four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and 17 state trails — spanning over 265,000 acres of iconic landscapes and welcoming 18 million visitors annually.
In addition to overseeing the state parks system, the division administers federal and state parks and trails grants, including the state-funded Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program, as well as the federally funded Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The division is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.