Local News

Body of Missing Effingham Man Found in River

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:33:21 CDT

The body of a missing kayaker was recovered from the Kaskaskia River near Cowden last Thursday evening, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The body of Wallace Darcow, Jr. of Effingham was recovered from the river during a surface search at approximately 8 p.m. July 5. Darcow, 35, was kayaking on the river near the Route 128 bridge during the late afternoon of June 30. Witnesses reported seeing the kayak flip near a logjam, ejecting Darcow into the river.

Conservation Police Officers utilizing sonar equipment participated in the search throughout the week, and officers conducting a surface search by airboat recovered the victim Thursday night. Search agencies assisting in the recovery included the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Shelby County Dive Team, Cowden Fire Department, and citizen volunteers.

IDNR Conservation Police Officers are continuing to investigate the incident.