In a tragic turn of events, the body of 19-year-old Andruw Cornett was recovered on Dec. 31, 2024, following a duck hunting trip at Northern California’s Thermalito Afterbay. The search continues for his 17-year-old brother, Wesley, who remains missing.

The brothers embarked on their hunting trip on Dec. 14. According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, an incident involving their overturned kayak led to their disappearance. Andruw had placed a 911 call before entering the water to assist Wesley; neither was wearing a life jacket.

The search operation, led by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, has been extensive, involving air and marine units, as well as K9 teams. Personal items, including pants, a wallet, and a jacket, have been found during the search, providing critical clues. Wesley remains unaccounted for despite these efforts, and the search is ongoing.

The boys’ mother, April Clark, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and support the search efforts. The campaign has garnered significant community support, raising over $45,000.

This incident underscores the inherent risks of waterfowl hunting, particularly when safety precautions are overlooked. The absence of personal flotation devices (PFDs)/life jackets, especially in cold water conditions, can lead to rapid onset hypothermia and increase the difficulty of rescue operations. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures in outdoor activities.

The community remains hopeful for a resolution as the search for Wesley continues.