CNN
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Officers are looking a bit of the Missouri River for a paraglider who has been lacking for over per week.
The paraglider, 35-year-old Kenny Loudermilk, disappeared on October twenty sixth whereas paragliding across the Missouri River at sundown, based on Missouri State Freeway Patrol.
Missouri State Freeway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson mentioned witnesses noticed Loudermilk enter the water of the Missouri River, however didn’t assume it was an intentional touchdown. Loudermilk floated downstream a brief distance earlier than going underwater after which by no means resurfaced, says the patrol.
That was close to Washington, Missouri, about 50 miles west of St. Louis, based on CNN affiliate KMOV.
Troopers from the Freeway Patrol marine division have searched the water each day since Loudermilk’s disappearance. They’ve performed floor searches, used sonar gear to scan beneath the water, and used drag gear, Thompson mentioned. A freeway patrol helicopter has additionally flown the world, looking the river banks from above, and personal search corporations have assisted the efforts.
In accordance with the freeway patrol, the search has expanded from the placement the place Loudermilk was seen getting into the water to greater than eight miles downstream.
“The search will proceed and hopefully we are able to find him quickly and provides this household some closure,” Thompson mentioned.
Loudermilk developed a deep ardour for paragliding over the previous three years, KMOV reported.
“I knew that he was having enjoyable when he was flying,” mentioned Loudermilk’s 15-year-old daughter Kylie, based on KMOV.
Kylie, now residing together with her grandparents, instructed KMOV that she is making an attempt to remain optimistic.
“I do know he’s right here and I’m considering that he would need me to remain optimistic and never concentrate on the unfavorable,” Kylie mentioned.
A verified GoFundMe has been set as much as fund the search efforts and assist Kylie.