Local News
Search For Andruw and Wesley Cornett: Body Recovered from Thermalito Afterbay
The identity of the recovered body has not yet been confirmed, pending notification of the Cornett family.
Butte County, CA – The search for two teenage brothers who disappeared while duck hunting on December 14 has taken a tragic turn.
On Tuesday morning, a body was recovered from the Thermalito Afterbay, where the two brothers were last seen.
Andruw Cornett, 19, and Wesley Cornett, 17, vanished during a hunting trip when Wesley’s kayak capsized while he attempted to retrieve a downed duck.
Witnesses reported that Andruw, from the shore, immediately entered the frigid waters to rescue his younger brother. Despite his efforts, neither brother has been seen or heard from since.
On Tuesday at approximately 9:30 a.m., a Butte County Sheriff’s Office helicopter identified a body in the water.
However, recovery operations were briefly interrupted when an unauthorized drone flew too close to the helicopter, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.
The Sheriff’s Office issued a stern warning that drone interference in such operations is unlawful and may result in criminal charges.
The identity of the recovered body has not yet been confirmed, pending notification of the Cornett family.
The brothers’ disappearance occurred under difficult weather conditions. High winds and rough water created hazardous whitecaps on the afterbay, complicating their duck-hunting expedition.
Wesley’s kayak overturned as he attempted to retrieve a duck. Andruw, witnessing the incident, dialed 911 before plunging into the cold waters to assist his brother. Tragically, neither returned to shore.
The local community has been deeply impacted by the loss. Friends and family of the Cornett brothers have gathered in solidarity, hoping for closure as the search continues.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the investigation and search efforts. Authorities continue to survey the area and urge the public to avoid interfering with ongoing recovery operations.
Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.