BREAKING: Body of missing kayaker found

Published 11:58 am Thursday, May 10, 2018

The body of a Pulaski, Tennessee, man who was last seen Sunday morning putting a kayak into the Elk River was recovered late Wednesday, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Searchers located the body of 31-year-old Anthony Cooper at about 9:30 p.m. near the access area where he had launched his kayak. Searchers were preparing to call off the search for the night when Cooper’s body was found.

“He was observed by the last boat coming off the water about 9:30 last night,” said TWRA officer David Crane. “We have turned it over to the sheriff’s department and medical examiner for an autopsy and will continue the investigation.”

He had launched his kayak from a public access area off Veto Road. A short time later, Cooper’s kayak was seen floating down the river upside down. A life jacket was also found inside the vessel.

Witnesses called authorities when they could not locate the owner.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded along with rescue squads from Giles County, Maury County, Lawrence County and Rutherford County. Over the three-day search, crews employed a number of tools and tactics in an effort to locate Cooper, including aerial imaging to divers.

According to rescue personnel, the river’s strong current and cold water, combined with areas of heavy debris, complicated efforts to locate Cooper.