ESCANABA — The kayaker that drowned in Little Bay de Noc has been identified as 29-year-old Tyler Wright of downstate Grand Rapids, according to the Delta County Sheriff’s Office. Wright had been kayaking/fishing off of Stonington in Little Bay de Noc on Sunday, May 5. He failed to return to shore and was reported missing at 7 p.m. that night.

An extensive search was conducted from shore, water, and air utilizing numerous agencies. The empty kayak was located floating upside down around 2 a.m. on Monday, May 6. The search continued all day Monday with no additional findings. The search resumed again on Tuesday, May 7 and Wright was located around 1 p.m. in 14 feet of water approximately a half mile offshore. Wright was not wearing a life jacket and water temps in the area were near 50 degrees.

The Sheriff’s office was assisted by Michigan State Police Marine Services Unit, Delta County Search and Rescue, Delta County Dive Team, Delta County Victim’s Service Unit, Delta County Central Dispatch, DNR conservation officers, Gladstone Public Safety, United States Coast Guard, Masonville Fire Department, Air Force Rescue Coordination Command Center, Rampart EMS, American Red Cross, and Bay de Noc Township.