Derek Wheeler dies in fatal Kanopolis Lake, Kansas drowning

Derek Wheeler dies in fatal Kanopolis Lake, Kansas drowning

Fatal Kanopolis Lake, Kansas drowning death of Derek Wheeler – Obituary

Derek Wheeler, an 18-year-old from Salina, Kansas, was found dead after a three-day search at Kanopolis Lake, bringing a tragic end to a late-night kayaking incident, according to the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz said Wheeler’s body surfaced around 8 a.m. Friday and washed ashore at Boldt Bluff, located in the southwest area of the lake. Authorities determined that Wheeler died from drowning, and officials stated that no autopsy was necessary after investigators found nothing suspicious.

The search effort involved Ellsworth County deputies along with teams from Kansas Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and numerous emergency and rescue agencies. A sonar device helped crews narrow down the location of the body late Thursday night before search operations paused.

Investigators said Wheeler was kayaking with two other men from Salina early Tuesday morning when windy conditions caused his kayak to overturn around 2 a.m. The two companions, ages 19 and 20, attempted to help but were also thrown from their kayaks by the rough water. They eventually swam to shore after being unable to continue rescue efforts.

Officials noted that the group had been camping at the Sandy Plum campground on the south shore of Kanopolis Reservoir and decided to kayak despite dark conditions and the absence of moonlight. Rescue operations included air support, shoreline searches, and the use of sonar and infrared technology.

Sheriff Ploutz expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by multiple agencies during the recovery operation, stating that the coordinated effort was critical in bringing the search to a conclusion.