FWC officers were notified of a missing kayaker around 12:25 p.m. Sunday. The victim, Michael Aiden Vargas, was kayaking when the strike occurred near Whiting Park in Milton. His father, along with employees at Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation, witnessed the incident and began searching for him.
The FWC Dive Team, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Sherrif’s Office Dive Team, and Daphne Search and Rescue continued the search, and Vargas was later recovered deceased from the water.
FWC says the accident remains under active investigation
“The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Michael Aiden Vargas during this difficult time,” the release said.
