NEW RICHMOND, Ohio — The Clermont County Coroner's Office has identified the missing kayaker whose body was recovered from the Ohio River after days of searching.
Crews responded to the Ohio River near U.S. Route 52 in New Richmond at around 4 p.m. Thursday after a report that two kayakers had fallen into the river.
New Richmond Fire Chief Tim Feldkamp said one person was pulled from the water and was uninjured, but a second person — identified as 28-year-old Zeidana Malek of Erlanger, Kentucky — had gone missing.
After days of searching, New Richmond Fire and EMS reported just around noon Sunday that they recovered a body near mile marker 449.1 along the Ohio River.
Watch to hear New Richmond's Fire Chief break down the almost four-day search:
Andy Chow of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed the body was that of the missing kayaker, and the body was taken to the Clermont County Coroner's Office.
The coroner's office on Monday positively identified Malek as the missing kayaker. Officials said the details of his death remain under investigation by ODNR.
“We’re in the business of saving lives, and when we can’t save a life, that takes a toll on everybody," Feldkamp said.
Feldkamp broke down what it was like for various firefighters, ODNR crews and other first responders.
“In this case, you know, we kept searching. Nobody wanted to stop searching. We had to, each night, call it a night because it’s not safe to search," Feldkamp said.
Feldkamp left us with this safety reminder for anyone looking to enjoy a day on the Ohio River.
"Respect the waterways, whether it's a lake, whether it's a swimming pool, whether it's the Ohio River," Feldkamp said.
Feldkamp also said to track any debris or currents in the river.
Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 Clermont County reporter Sam Harasimowicz? Email him at sam@wcpo.com
