Body of missing teen recovered after canoe capsizes on lake in bad weather
It is still uncertain whether the teens were wearing life jackets during the incident
The body of a teenager who disappeared after a canoe overturned on a Florida lake has been found.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) previously reported that the canoe capsized on Lake Jessamine with four teens on board around 1pm local time on Monday (March 16).
While three of the teens were saved, the fourth was not immediately located by officials.
The OCSO confirmed to PEOPLE that deputies have discovered the body of the missing teen, identified as 17-year-old Eduardo Duarte, without revealing the exact location or time of discovery.
“Investigators informed us that the canoe took on water due to weather conditions, leading to the capsizing,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Detectives suspect Duarte’s death was “an accidental drowning,” as reported by the OCSO. An autopsy is planned, and the investigation is still ongoing.
“We mourn his passing and offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family,” the sheriff’s office expressed in a statement.
Search efforts for the teen lasted from Monday night until Tuesday morning, March 17, according to NBC affiliate WESH.
Numerous boats navigated the water, while search teams also examined the shoreline, as reported by FOX affiliate WOFL.
Nonetheless, search teams reportedly had to pause their efforts at times due to difficult weather conditions, including high winds, rain, and lightning, which disrupted the search with challenging water conditions.
Some family members were present at the site of the incident during the search for the missing teen, though they did not engage with local media, according to WESH and CBS affiliate WKMG.
It is still uncertain whether the teens were wearing life jackets during the incident. The Orange County Environmental Protection Division notes that Lake Jessamine spans 294 acres and has an average depth ranging from 11 to 16 feet, according to WOFL.