Person dead after reported kayaking incident in pond outside of South Hill

SOUTH HILL, Va. (WRIC) -- A person is dead following a water rescue in a pond just outside of South Hill on Saturday where officials said they received several reports that a person never returned to the water's surface after their kayak overturned. On Saturday, Nov. 30, South Hill Fire was dispatched to a pond off of Highway 47, just outside of the town of South Hill, after officials said they received several calls stating that a male subject had been kayaking when his kayak overturned and he did not return to the water's surface. According to officials, South Hill Fire deployed its water rescue team and boat 7, as well as called Palmer Springs Volunteer Fire Department with boat 6 to help with recovery efforts. Units were reportedly on the scene for several hours. Officials said the victim was able to be located and South Hill Fire's boat 7 recovered the male and returned him to the shore. According to South Hill Fire, the victim died due to his injuries as the water temperature was reported to be 46 degrees. "This was a difficult recovery with cold water, cold air temperatures and with family on site. Our members did an outstanding job and all agencies who assisted were very helpful and supportive. Our hearts go out to the families of the victim," said Michael Vaughan, South Hill Volunteer Fire Department's Fire Chief.