Jordanville Teen Drowns While Kayaking

A community is mourning the loss of a teenager, who drowned while kayaking.

19-year-old Dustin N. Groat of Jordanville, went missing on Candarago Lake Monday, June 18th while kayaking with a friend. New York State Police say Groat's kayak capsized during the storm.

The two teens got into their kayaks at the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch and paddled to Deowongo Island. As the storm approached, the teens paddled back to the boat launch but Groat’s kayak capsized. He was not wearing a life jacket. The other teen couldn't find Groat but did get back to shore to call for help.

Due to the storm and the choppy conditions on the lake, the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team couldn't begin recovery efforts until 1:00 a.m. At approximately 4:25 a.m. Tuesday, June 19th the New York State Police URT recovered Groat’s body in approximately 23 feet of water.

The New York State Police are continuing to investigate.