According to News 4 Jacksonville, FL,
“St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said crews recovered a body Monday afternoon believed to be that of a paddleboarder who was last seen on Sunday.
Kenton Miller, 59, went paddleboarding in the area of Ocean Trace Road on St. Augustine Beach.
His wife contacted the Sheriff’s Office late Sunday night when he did not return home. The Sheriff’s Office called the U.S. Coast Guard.
Miller’s 2015 Ford F-150 was found on the beach at Ocean Trace Road, but Miller and his paddleboard were not located at that time…”
BREAKING: @SJSOPIO recovered a body in the ocean this afternoon. It’s believed to be 59 year-old Kenton Miller. pic.twitter.com/f1VT2dKlXF
— Erica Bennett (@EricaANjax) January 11, 2016
There are no details as to circumstances surrounding how this tragic accident occurred in St. Augustine Beach, FL. No word on leashes or pfd. He was last seen wearing a wetsuit is the only detail besides the description of the board.
The missing persons report from the St. John’s County Sheriff’s office reported on Jan 11 that Kenton was “was last seen wearing a dark colored wetsuit and bright orange tennis shoes.” They described the board as “approximately six feet long and black and red in color.” (read the missing person’s report)
The first thing I’m sure people will comment on is whether he was wearing a leash and/or pfd. There’s no word yet. The second is the description of the board. A 6-foot SUP is probably very inaccurate. I don’t think even the smallest of SUP pixies can ride that. We can probably chalk that up to simply not knowing what equipment he was on and estimating it.
We contacted the St. John’s County Sheriff’s office for more details. This is also another reminder to be as safe as possible out there. Take precautions. There’s no telling how Kenton Miller prepared or paddled, so there’s no judgement. It’s just another sad loss in a string of tragedies that will inevitably continue as the sport grows—regardless of precautions.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Miller family and friends.
