BROWNSTOWN TWP. (WWJ) -- A search for a kayaker from Monroe who disappeared during a severe storm on Lake Erie over a week ago has come to a tragic end.
The Grosse Ile Police Department said Monday that 30-year-old Jesus "Chewy" Sanchez was found dead Saturday evening.
The incident began on the evening of Friday, July 3, when Sanchez and two friends were kayaking back to Downriver Marina from Celeron Island. An intense summer storm caught the group by surprise, hammering the lake with 70 mph winds and triggering massive 10- to 20-foot waves.
The extreme conditions quickly separated the kayakers and caused their vessels to capsize. While passing jet skiers were able to rescue Sanchez’s two friends, Sanchez vanished in the water.
For over a week, local, state, and federal agencies conducted an exhaustive air, land, and water rescue operation. Because of unpredictable lake currents and the violent weather, authorities feared Sanchez could have been carried anywhere along the Lake Erie shoreline, stretching from Michigan and Ohio into Canadian waters.
The extensive search required a massive, 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.
They were joined by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Downriver Mutual Aid Dive Search and Rescue Team.
In addition to boats and dive teams, Brownstown police officers deployed drones to scour the shoreline before Sanchez's body was recovered south of Point Mouillee.
Brownstown Twp. Police said, in a statement: "On behalf of the Grosse Ile Police Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the victim's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
