Kayaker drowns at Lake Mead

(Lake Mead National Recreation Area) Lori Curry and her dog, Creena, kayak down the Colorado River on a recent trip through Black Canyon. The picture was taken by Terry Maurer of Henderson and won the 2019 Love Your Lakes photo contest put on by Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It will be featured on the park's 2020 annual pass.

A 31-year-old man drowned at Lake Mead National Recreation Area near SCUBA Beach on Wednesday evening after he went into the water to retrieve a loose inflatable kayak, according to the National Park Service.

Rangers received a report of a kayaker drowning at approximately 7 p.m., when bystanders called 911 after witnessing the victim struggle to retrieve an inflatable kayak that blew away due to high winds. He was not wearing a life jacket and was not seen emerging from the water.

Park rangers responded and searched the area by boat with snorkel and mask but the effort was suspended due to severe storms throughout the evening. Search and rescue efforts resumed this morning with support from the Metropolitan Police Department of Las Vegas

The body was found at 11:01 a.m. and recovery efforts are underway. The Clark County coroner has been requested to arrive on scene.

No further information is available at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.