Body of missing kayaker recovered in the Little Wenatchee River
By FOX 13 News Staff Seattle
July 23, 2022
Body of missing kayaker recovered in Chelan County
CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - The body of a man who went missing after reportedly going over a waterfall in his kayak in the Little Wenatchee River was recovered on Friday. According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), on the morning June 25, William Henniger was reported missing after kayaking through extremely rough water with a partner.
Authorities say the two put their kayaks in the water about six miles up the river, and when the water became too rough to navigate, they tried getting out to safety. One kayaker managed to exit the rapids, but Henniger was not seen again after going over a waterfall.
On July 22, authorities determined that the water levels had receded enough to safely search the area. At around 4:00 p.m., the CCSO Swift Water Rescue Team and volunteers were able to find him about a half mile downstream from where he was last seen.
Authorities say the area has steep embankments and thick trees, brush making it difficult to maneuver from the river to the road. Crews had to lift his body out of the river gorge using the Sheriff’s Office helicopter.
Missing Kayaker Named as Rescue Efforts Turn to Recovery
Hunter Lamb
News Radio 560 KPQ
July 7, 2022
Efforts continue in the search for a kayaker who went missing on the Little Wenatchee River late last month. Chelan County Emergency Management Sergeant Jason Reinfeld says 41-year-old William Henniger of Des Moines, Washington was last seen going over a waterfall in heavy rapids June 25th. Henniger reportedly got into the river with another kayaker just downriver of a bridge that leads to Rainy Pass. The other kayaker was able to get out of the river before Henniger disappeared.
Despite repeated efforts by rescuers, including helicopters and drones, Henniger has not been seen since. Divers have searched some of the waters below the waterfall but the rapids have complicated the effort. Reinfeld said, "Due to the time that he's been missing, we believe that this is a recovery at this point."
Rescue efforts include members of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Chlean County Fire District 9 and swift water rescue volunteers. Satellite imagery indicates the water level in the area will get down to where rescuers can better search the river at some point this summer.
