Body of missing kayaker found

BRIGHTON - The body of a Brighton man reported missing after last being seen kayaking in the Skunk River has been located, the Washington County Sheriff's office has confirmed.

The body of David Alan Woodson, 52, of Brighton, was recovered on Monday, July 1, at approximately 4:39 p.m., on the third day of a search.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's office, Woodson was first reported missing at approximately 6:50 p.m., Saturday, June 29. Woodson was last seen kayaking in the Skunk River near 3180 Highway 1 in Brighton.

Area first responders arrived on scene and began a search Saturday. The search was halted overnight, but resumed the following morning, Sunday, June 30. The search was once again suspended at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and resumed at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 1.

On Monday, July 1, Iowa DNR was in the water with boats and sonar devices, searching for Woodson. Monday morning, around 10 a.m., Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Shawn Ellingson would not comment on whether or not any items belonging to Woodson had been found but confirmed the DNR was looking to do body recovery at that point.

No community support was requested or utilized at all over the course of the search, as the water was too high and the current too strong. The Washington County Sheriff's office, the Department of Natural Resources, Brighton Fire Department, Brighton First Responders, Washington County Rescue, Washington Fire Department, Washington County Rescue and Washington County Ambulance all responded.

At the time of press, the Washington County Sheriff's office was unavailable for further comment and it remains unclear what caused the incident.