The body of missing angler Nicolas Kayler was found Wednesday morning at Lake Okeechobee, BassFan has learned through multiple sources.
Jonathan Lockwood, who has been coordinating volunteer search efforts in recent days, posted the following statement to a Facebook group named “Boaters looking for Nik Kayler”:
“With a heavy heart, I regret to inform every1 (sic) that Nik has been recovered. Please continue to pray for the family. Please do not contact the family as they are needing their time together right now. Please continue praying for the Kayler family.”
FLW released a statement at 12:40 p.m. EST confirming the news.
“Our prayers are with Nik’s family during this time of unimaginable tragedy,” said FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel. “The loss of his life touches the entire fishing community.”
A message left with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was not immediately returned. A separate source told BassFan Kayler was found using side-image sonar and a diver was able to retrieve his body. According to FLW, Kayler’s body was recovered from the lake near Clewiston by a commercial vessel.
Kayler, 38, went missing last Thursday after a boating accident while heading out on day 1 of the season-opening FLW Series tournament at Okeechobee. Crews from the FWC, Clewiston Fire Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard and numerous volunteers scoured the lake from water, land and air in search of Kayler, who is from Apopka and was competing in the tournament as a co-angler.
The FWC had said the boat carrying boater Bill Kisiah and Kayler encountered rough waters and struck a wave, causing Kayler to be ejected from the boat. Kisiah was unsuccessful in his effort to recover Kayler due to engine damage and lake conditions. Kisiah was found alive late Thursday night when his boat drifted up against the rocky shoreline near Pahokee Marina and Campground. He was treated at an area hospital and was released on Monday.
As the search for Kayler continued, FLW canceled the final two days of the tournament and now must decide whether to proceed with the FLW Tour season opener at Okeechobee in two weeks.
As the search for Kayler drew more attention, support from the fishing community has poured in. Online fundraising campaigns have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Kayler family. Kayler is survived by wife, Kelly, and their young daughter, Caralee.
