Officials stop search for missing kayaker and reopen Sessions Lake

(Courtesy of Ionia County Sheriff’s Department)

LANSING, Michigan (WLNS) — After nearly five days of searching, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Department is calling off its search for a missing kayaker on Sessions Lake due to the unsuccessful search operation and the difficult conditions on the lake.

Officials say they will resume operations as soon as they have the resources to expand the search.

Sessions Park Lake will reopen Thursday evening and remain open throughout the weekend.

On Sunday around 7 p.m., rescue crews responded to Sessions Lake after police received a report of a kayaker who had flipped his kayak over on the water and failed to resurface. Officers learned that the missing man, in his mid-30s, from Grand Rapids, and his girlfriend had removed their life jackets because they were uncomfortable.

Rescue workers found the man’s life jacket, but he was last seen on Sunday at 6:57 p.m. His name is not currently being released.