Authorities Recover Body of Missing Kayaker

Authorities recovered the body of a missing kayaker on Tuesday.

 The body, recovered in more than 100 feet of water near Glen Arbor, was identified as Eric Tyler Gabryel, 28, from Capac. Gabryel had been missing since the afternoon of Saturday, June 29.

Gabryel, along with a 37-year old woman from Emmett, departed from the Glen Haven area in kayaks earlier on Saturday. While kayaking, Gabryel’s vessel became swamped with water, authorities say. The woman attempted to get them back to shore but was unsuccessful, as her vessel also became swamped with water. Eventually, Gabryel disappeared, and the woman was pulled from the waters by another passing boater.

First responders from the National Park Service, Glen Lake Fire and Rescue, Michigan State Police, The United States Coast Guard, Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Dive Team, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources all participated in the rescue and recovery efforts over the last several days.

 “Unfortunately, this situation is a reminder that all persons enjoying the waterways of Michigan should not only have, but use personal floatation devices (PFD’s) anytime they are out on the water. Especially when kayaking or canoeing. The general rule of thumb is that if you are in water deeper than your height, then use of a PFD is recommended,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.