Search continues along Ocmulgee River for missing kayaker from Henry County

The search for a Henry County kayaker who went missing on Wise Creek Saturday afternoon is continuing Monday.

According to reports, a call came in about 3 p.m. Saturday about the kayaker, identified as De’Vontae B. Grifffieth, 23, of McDonough, who was last seen on Wise Creek near Mt. Pleasant Road, south of Flovilla.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Butts County Fire and Rescue, Flovilla Fire and Rescue and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office searched Wise Creek until darkness fell, while Monroe County EMA searched along the Ocmulgee River in Juliette. That part of the river is popular with kayakers. High water levels and swift currents made the search difficult.

The search resumed Sunday, with Georgia Power shutting the dam off Sunday morning to lower the water level as crews continue to search both in the river and along the riverbanks. Dive teams and rescue dogs were also called in to help. DNR teams also expanded the search into Jasper County.

DNR Public Information Officer Mark McKinnon said the search resumed again Monday about 7 a.m.

“Game Wardens are running three boats with side scan sonar and Butts County divers are scheduled to arrive later today,” McKinnon said. “Riverbank searches will be conducted all day and DNR Aviation is scheduled to fly as well.”

Butts County EMA and Fire Chief Mike Wilson added that they will be searching in the area where Griffieth disappeared in Butts County.

The Progress-Argus will update this story when more information becomes available.