LEMOYNE, Neb. – Authorities have confirmed the recovery of a kayaker’s body at Lake McConaughy following a two-day search that began after an overturned kayak was found Sunday evening near Admiral's Cove in Lemoyne.

According to the Keith County Attorney’s Office, emergency responders were first called at 6:10 p.m. on Aug. 17 after a jet skier spotted the kayak. Keystone Lemoyne Fire and Rescue, the Keith County Sheriff’s Office, Keith County EMS and Nebraska Game and Parks responded, launching boats immediately. A drone and a helicopter from Great Plains Health also assisted. Rescue crews searched with sonar technology until about 9:30 p.m., when the effort was suspended due to incoming storms.

The search resumed Monday morning following another weather delay.

Nebraska Game and Parks deployed eight conservation officers, four boats with sonar and a drone. Keystone Lemoyne Fire and Rescue sent in its dive team and additional boats, while Keith County EMS deployed a drone. A local fishing guide also contributed equipment with live scope technology.

The man’s body was recovered in approximately 20 feet of water at approximately 1:05 p.m. Monday afternoon by the Keystone-Lemoyne Fire and Rescue dive team. Investigators said he had launched from the low water ramp at Admiral’s Cove around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and likely fell overboard shortly afterward. He was not wearing a life jacket, and no flotation device was found in the area.

The kayaker’s name is being withheld until family is notified. The Keith County Attorney’s Office has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The case remains under investigation.