GOLDSBORO – The body of a kayaker missing since Saturday on the Neuse River in Wayne County was recovered just before noon today. Search teams located the body of 34 year old Derrick Wooten in the area where he went missing. Wooten’s family was notified by authorities.
On Saturday, Goldsboro Fire Department Water Rescue was dispatched to a call involving a missing kayaker. A water rescue team was launched at Old Waynesborough Park and located one individual in the water. The individual reported that he launched the kayak with a friend with plans to retrieve the kayak at the Wildlife Boat Ramp off Highway 117 South near Mar-Mac.
The individuals had been in the kayak for approximately 15 minutes when Derrick Wooten had difficulties and fell into the water. A rescue was attempted by the survivor, but he lost grip on Mr. Wooten who went under water and disappeared.
Arr-Mac Water Response, NC Wildlife, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team assisted the Goldsboro Fire Department with the search. Authorities said they experienced high water conditions, strong currents, and debris in the Neuse River due to recent rains.
