Experienced kayaker drowns in Lake Norman, raising water safety concerns

CORNELIUS, N.C. — A 40-year-old man drowned in Lake Norman on Wednesday afternoon after he went missing while kayaking.

Searchers recovered the man’s body near a cove west of Catawba Avenue after his kayak was discovered empty on the shore.

The Cornelius Police Department is investigating how the man ended up in the water and whether he was wearing any safety equipment.

Although police have not yet released the man’s identity, the incident has drawn attention to water safety early in the season.

Mark Starnes, a neighbor and friend of the victim, said the man was a husband and a father to a young child.

“He was a character, let me say that, he was a really good guy, big heart,” Starnes said. He noted that the victim was an experienced outdoorsman who had spent a significant amount of time on the lake. “He was raised on the water, he’s been around water all of his life,” Starnes said.

The loss has been difficult for those in the community who knew the victim’s family. Starnes noted the man had a 1-year-old son.

“Just had a baby a year ago, cutest little fella you’d ever seen,” Starnes said.

Regarding the sudden nature of the drowning, Starnes added, “That’s just not something you think about, especially of all people.”

Lt. Tracy Crosby of the Cornelius Police Department said the agency emphasizes water safety through direct community engagement.

“We try to educate everybody on the water, everybody at the boat landings that we come in contact with,” Crosby said.

The department is currently using the incident as a reminder for people to take precautions while on the lake.

The investigation into whether the victim was wearing a life jacket remains ongoing.

Crosby issued a direct reminder for all residents and visitors to use safety equipment while near or on the lake.

“Be sure to use your personal floatation devices around the water,” Crosby said.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

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