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.
A 26-year-old man from Odenville has died following a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon in Leeds, according to authorities.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Toye Kyle Jackson, 26, of Odenville.
Officials said Jackson was operating a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. Thursday in the 7200 block of Elliot Lane in Leeds.
Jackson was the sole rider on the motorcycle at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and Jackson was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 5:22 p.m.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash, including the condition of the driver of the other vehicle involved.
The Leeds Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the events that led up to the crash.