Missing Kayaker Found, Identified on Lake

After approximately 9.5 hours of intensive search on the water and shoreline of Lake Nasworthy this afternoon, Sgt. Barry Wike of the San Angelo Police Department's Lake Patrol Division has confirmed that the body of the missing kayaker has been found. 

The body of Manny Rivas, 20, was located by lake division officers at approximately 4 p.m. The team was out on a boat using drowning recovery equipment, when they located him near the dam, in the same area where the accident with the jet ski occurred at just before 7 p.m. Saturday. He was deceased.

Rivas had been on the water kayaking with a female, when he was hit by a person riding a jet ski. The female kayaker was saved by her life vest and was sent to the hospital, where she was treated and released Saturday evening. Rivas was not wearing a life vest. A five-hour search followed the accident on Saturday night, but nothing was found. The search continued on Sunday morning at 7 a.m.

Rivas' family has been notified and his body will be sent off for autopsy. 

Rivas was a student at ASU. ASU President Dr. Brian J. May said, "Our hearts go out to his family, friends and the ASU community. We offer condolences and ask for your continued prayers and support."

Lake Division Sgt. Barry Wike encourages all visitors at the lake to wear life vests and remain safe when on the water.