AKRON, Ohio — A 70-year-old man who went missing while kayaking near Oxbow on Sunday was found dead by search and rescue teams using drones and other search tools Monday, confirmed Lt. Tim Morrison with Akron Fire.
Search teams from multiple departments in the area continued to search for Doug Maher Monday, Morrison said. Using multiple drones at different heights, teams were able to pinpoint an object in the river that looked out of place. They then sent a search team out to that location, and a ranger was able to find Maher's body and positively identify him.
The search was made easier Monday because the river was about 4 feet lower than it was Sunday, Morrison said.
The drone technology was crucial in the search, Morrison said, and a search like this may have taken days without it.
Watch the Monday news conference that confirmed Maher being found dead below:
Police were called to the McDonald's in the 1800 block of Merriman Road around 9 p.m. Sunday after Maher did not return from kayaking.
Authorities said Maher was supposed to meet his family at a location in Brecksville near Merriman Road.
Officers converged on Merriman Road and the surrounding area to join Summit County Metro Parks and recovery teams from Macedonia and other agencies to assist in the search Sunday night, police said.
Authorities continued their search and recovery efforts for Maher on Monday.
