(WWJ) A Flat Rock man who disappeared while kayaking at the mouth of the Detroit River near Lake Erie has been found dead — a heartbreaking conclusion to a days-long search.
A Michigan State Police trooper involved in the search located the body of Tyler Szabo in the Pointe Mouille Game area in Brownstown Township Wednesday morning, according to police.
Authorities had been searching for Szabo since he was reported missing Saturday night.
He was not wearing a life jacket, witnesses said, and was not known to be an experienced kayaker, according to Brownstown Township Police Chief Robert Matthews.
Earlier, investigators said his kayak was found washed up in Monroe County at Banana Dyke, and there wasn't much hope of finding him alive after several days of exposure to the chilly waters. Complicating search efforts, Matthews said water levels in that area are very high, making it more treacherous to navigate watercraft, and more difficult to see what's under the surface.
Friends told reporters that Sazbo, who went more often by his last name, was an " amazing friend" who loved the outdoors, working out and partying with his buddies.
Desiree Glumm wrote on Facebook: "Tyler has been found. Please keep the family and friends in your thought and prayers. And thank you EVERYONE that helped and took the time to share."
Along with State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, Brownstown police and Fire departments, Berlin Township Fire Department and the Wayne County Sheriff's Marine Division all contributed to search effort.
