Public Safety

Body of missing kayaker recovered in Okaloosa County

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, went missing Saturday after a witness observed his kayak capsize near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso.

Jared Williams

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The body of a kayaker who went missing in Boggy Bayou on Saturday was recovered Sunday morning, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, was recovered around 9:15 a.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation.

Shaer went missing Saturday near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso after a witness observed his kayak capsize, according to an Aqua Alert issued by the Sheriff’s Office. His kayak was located and removed from the water, but Shaer was not with it. His green jacket and beanie were also recovered.

“We are terribly saddened to report Wessam’s body was recovered this morning,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Our sincere prayers go out to his family and friends in this tragedy.”

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