Body of kayaker missing near Sleeping Bear found in Lake Michigan

LEELANAU COUNTY, MI – The body of a missing kayaker has been recovered from Lake Michigan.

According to the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office, Eric Tyler Gabryel, 28, of Capac, was found at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in 110 feet of water off Glen Arbor. Michigan State Police divers recovered the body with assistance from the Glen Lake Fire Department.

Gabryel had been missing since 3:06 p.m. on June 29, when his kayak filled with water and he disappeared underwater. Another kayaker, a 37-year-old woman from Emmett, was pulled from the water by another passing boater.

The woman was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She is expected to recover.

The National Park Service, Glen Lake Fire Department, Michigan State Police, United States Coast Guard, Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have been involved in rescue and recovery efforts over the past few days.

“Unfortunately, this situation is a reminder that all persons using Michigan’s waterways should not only carry personal flotation devices, but also use them while on the water,” lawmakers said in a statement.

“Especially when kayaking or canoeing. As a rule of thumb, if you are in water that is deeper than your height, it is recommended that you use a life jacket.”