Christopher Salmons was a 40-year-old man from Lincoln, Missouri, who loved kayaking. Recently, he decided to visit Truman Reservoir for a kayaking trip. Unfortunately, the trip ended in tragedy when he was reported missing after failing to return home that night. After several days of searching, authorities were able to discover his body near the boat ramp in the cove. They suspect that he drowned after falling out of his kayak amid high winds and cold water.
The incident occurred when Christopher decided to leave his home at 11 a.m. EST on Friday, March 14. Before departing, he notified his sister, Stephanie Salmons, that he planned to go kayaking for a few hours. Nobody suspected anything was amiss until he failed to return that night. “His truck is still parked, but he and his red canoe are missing,” Stephanie wrote on Facebook. The family was worried that the missing Missouri kayaker had gotten into trouble after encountering a storm that occurred that day.
After reporting Christopher missing, MSHP Troop A launched a search that included a water patrol and a dive team to explore the Clear Creek Cove area of Truman Lake. Several days passed before the authorities finally managed to find the Missouri kayaker’s body 100 yards off the boat ramp in the cove on Sunday. “The subject was kayaking on Truman Lake in high winds, fell out of the kayak, and drowned due to the temperature of the water,” the MSHP report stated.
A Tragedy in Missouri
Nobody expects to suddenly hear that their sibling has died, especially when they were just going on a simple kayak trip. Stephanie was also shocked, saying, “We are never guaranteed tomorrow. So tell those in your life that you love them while you still can. My brother knew how much I loved him, but this really hits home as to how short life can be. So make the most of it while you can.”
Those who heard the news expressed their sympathy for Christopher’s fate. Many agreed that this shouldn’t have happened. “So, so sorry for your loss. May Father God show His comfort to you and your family,” one Facebook user replied to Stephanie.
Apparently, the Missouri kayaker did not have the proper equipment to ensure his safety while kayaking. Anyone who wishes to go on a water adventure should remember to use an appropriate kayak, wear a wetsuit and life jacket for protection, and have a rescue plan in case an accident occurs.
