Missing Teen Kayaker Found Dead

SOUTH JAMESPORT, NY — A desperate search in the Peconic Bay for a missing kayaker ended in tragedy Saturday night, police said. The kayaker, 18, died, Riverhead Police confirmed.

According to police, the search initially took place off the pier at the end of West Street in South Jamesport but was expanded to include North and South Fork beaches. Suffolk County aviation was also called in to help assist with the search.

The family of the teen had turned to Facebook asking for prayers as police and first responders conducted a massive search across the East End. Although initially the search began in South Jamesport, the backpack and a blue seat cushion were reportedly found at Meschutt Beach County Park, although police could not immediately confirm those details.

There was a full moon tide, a west wind and a small craft advisory Saturday evening.

Police have not released the teen's name.

"Thank you, everyone, for your support," the teen's aunt wrote on Facebook. "Our nephew has been found. Not the outcome we wanted. We are numb. Please pray for our family, for the upcoming days, to lay our sweet nephew to rest."