Solo paddler, very high water. Sugar Creek rose from 3.8 to 13.6 feet that day
Body of missing kayaker in Bella Vista found, police confirm
According to the Bella Vista Police Department (BVPD), Jaglin was found dead north of the Sugar Creek Center on Tuesday.
Author: Delaney Van Wilpe
Channel 5 news, Fort Smith, AR
Published: 2:32 PM CDT May 27, 2024
BELLA VISTA, Ark. — Bella Vista police confirm that they have found the body of a missing kayaker. Christopher Jaglin, 59, was last seen on Sunday preparing to kayak Sugar Creek in Bella Vista.
According to the Bella Vista Police Department (BVPD), Jaglin was found dead north of the Sugar Creek Center on Tuesday. BVPD began searching for Jaglin at 8 a.m. on May 27 after he was reported missing. BVPD said they were searching for Jaglin using foot searches, ATVs, drones, and the department's water team.
On May 28, BVPD confirmed that water levels had returned to safe levels for the deployment of boats to aid in the search. To that end, the department worked with Bella Vista Fire Department, Highfill Police Department, Benton County Sheriff's Office, and the Bella Vista Street Department conducted the search.
Benton County officials believe Jaglin likely drowned due to the unsafe water levels at the time of his disappearance.
An investigation by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is now underway.
