21-Year-Old Kayaker Called 911 for Help Before Vanishing and His Body Was Just Found, Mom Says

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17 hours ago

The body of a kayaker from Washington who vanished on May 13 has been recovered, his mom said
Ty Coone's body was found on June 1, weeks after authorities say he called 911 to report that he was drowning
"His spirit, humor, and kindness touched so many lives," a GoFundMe fundraiser organizer wroteA 21-year-old Washington kayaker who went missing weeks ago — after pleading with 911 for help as he was struggling in the water — was found dead early this week, according to his mother.
Michele Scott Duncan confirmed with NBC affiliate KING that Ty Coone's body was recovered on Sunday, June 1.
On May 13, Coone called 911, reporting that he was drowning, according to the Clallam County Sheriff's Office.
"His phone's GPS placed him in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, north of Cline Spit, during a Small Craft Advisory," the department said. "Ty was believed to be fishing from his kayak."
Amid search efforts, Coone's kayak, life vest and paddle were initially recovered — but he remained unaccounted for.
"Search efforts were launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, Clallam County Sheriff's Office (using a drone with thermal imaging), Park Rangers, Fire District 3, and lighthouse personnel," officials said.
Then, nearly 20 days after Coone's vanished, his body was recovered from near Dungeness Spit off the northern coast of Washington, according to KING.
PEOPLE reached out to the sheriff's office and Duncan for further comment on Friday, June 6.
Officials have not formally identified the body as Coone's, as they reportedly await dental records.
However, Duncan told KING that the discovery brings her family some closure while also restarting the grieving process.
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In a GoFundMe fundraiser launched to help cover the costs of Coone's burial and a headstone and "create a beautiful resting place" where loved ones can visit, he was described as "one of a kind — full of life, laughter, and love."
"From dirtbike tracks to bonfire nights, he brought people together and made every moment unforgettable," the organizer wrote. "His spirit, humor, and kindness touched so many lives, and now it's our turn to give back and lay him to rest with the love and dignity he deserves."
Read the original article on People