Search ends when his family finds Dencklau in the river ‘At about 12:15 family members discovered Alex’s body … south of the wastewater treatment plant’ June 1, 2018 HANS MADSEN, Reporter/photographer Fort Dodge, Iowa Messenger-News The body of missing kayaker Alex Dencklau, 26, of Clare, was discovered Thursday afternoon in the Des Moines River, according to Fort Dodge Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter. Dencklau had been missing since a Monday afternoon kayak accident south of the Hydroelectric Dam in Fort Dodge. “At about 12:15 family members discovered Alex’s body in the river south of the wastewater treatment plant,” Hergenreter said. Hergenreter said the family members were on the river in a boat assisting with the search. After locating him, they contacted the Webster County Communication Center which then directed the Fire Department. The call was recorded at 12:15 p.m. “The Fire Department went down and recovered Alex from the river,” he said. Hergenreter said Dencklau’s body will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny to positively confirm his identity. “We don’t have any reason to believe it’s not him,”Hergenreter said. Hergenreter extended his condolences to the family and thanked the many who helped. “We would like to thank all the agencies, family, friends and citizens for their assistance and support with this tragic incident.” he said. The discovery of his body ended a search that progressed over four days. Dencklau was last seen alive when his kayak capsized below the Hydroelectric Dam. at about 3:30 p.m. Monday. His wife, who was in another craft, was able to swim to shore. In addition to the Fire Department, the search effort included the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue Team, which is based in Illinois. The Illinois team arrived Wednesday morning and used a boat equipped with higher-resolution sonar to search beneath the surface of the water. River conditions provided a challenge to searchers. Hergenreter said the river level was 18 inches higher than normal due to rain on Tuesday night. He added that the current was running as fast as 12 mph. http://www.messengernews.net/news/local-news/2018/06/search-ends-when-his-family-finds-dencklau-in-the-river/