The body of a kayaker who had been missing for more than two months has been found in Western New York.
WOIO reports a body was discovered Friday near the shore in the town of Dunkirk in Chautauqua County, about 40 miles south of Buffalo. The remains were identified as 30-year-old Evan Zeller of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, according to the Ohio Attorney General.
Zeller was reported missing Nov. 5 while kayaking on Lake Erie near Sheffield Lake. His kayak was found in Canada in December, and his body was found about 170 miles from Sheffield Lake.
According to WBNG, authorities said Zeller’s kayak capsized in treacherous water on Lake Erie in November. Two kayakers who were with him were able to make it back to shore, but Zeller was pushed out by the current. He used a cell phone to try and call for help, but rescuers were unable to find him by water and by air for several days.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said it worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify Zeller.
Survivors include Zeller’s wife and 5-year-old daughter.