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.
BROOKLYN PARK, MN – A small aircraft crashed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday afternoon, leaving no survivors, according to officials.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 109th Avenue North and Noble Parkway at approximately 12:20 p.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
FAA officials identified the aircraft as a SOCATA TBM7, a single-engine business aircraft.
It had departed from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa and was en route to Anoka County–Blaine Airport in Minneapolis when it went down.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a residential home on fire due to the impact.
Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the flames and evacuate nearby residents.
Authorities have confirmed that no one inside the home sustained injuries.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead.
Officials at the scene have not yet provided details on the number of occupants aboard the aircraft or the possible cause of the crash.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the tragic incident, stating that his administration is closely monitoring the situation.
“My team is in touch with local officials on the scene in Brooklyn Park, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Walz wrote on X. “Grateful to the first responders answering the call.”
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.