35-year-old man found dead after kayak overturns in Louisa lake, sheriff’s office investigating

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Authorities recovered the body of a 35-year-old man Tuesday night after the kayak that he and his son were on overturned in a Louisa County lake, prompting a death investigation.

At about 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, deputies were dispatched to the Lakeview Drive common area for a report of a possible drowning involving an overturned kayak.

According to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office, preliminary information indicates that a 35-year-old man and a boy were on a kayak when it overturned in the water.

While neither man or the child were wearing life vests at the time, authorities said a concerned citizen immediately responded and was able to safely help the child into their boat.

Authorities said witnesses reported that the man was believed to be trying to push the kayak back toward shore when he went underwater.

"Individuals on scene made immediate efforts to locate him but eventually lost sight of him," authorities said.

Deputies from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, along with Fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene -- authorities also received assistance from the Spotsylvania County Dive Team to assist with search operations.

After about one hour of search efforts, Spotsylvania County Dive Team located the man, identified as 35-year-old Andrew Glen Knight, of Mineral, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the sheriff's office responded to the scene and have began a death investigation.

Sheriff Donald Lowe shared the following statement about the investigation:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knight family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are grateful to the citizens and first responders who acted quickly in an effort to assist. We ask that the community keep the family in their thoughts during this very difficult time. This incident also serves as an important reminder of the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water.” Sheriff Donald Lowe

No additional information is available as of the time of reporting.