A body was recovered Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from Valley Creek in Oak Grove.
The body found by kayakers in a west Jefferson County creek has been confirmed to be William “Jake” McNair, who was reported missing two days earlier.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office on Wednesday confirmed McNair’s identity. His body was found Monday and recovered Tuesday by first responders. Authorities have previously said no foul play is suspected in the death.
McNair, 33, was reported missing about 6 p.m. Saturday when he did not return home from fishing. His truck and personal belongs were found immediately when family and authorities went to look for him, but there was no sign of McNair.
Jefferson County sheriff’s officials, along with ALEA, carried out multiple searches for McNair over the following days, using tracking dogs and a helicopter to help in the searches.
It was about 6 p.m. Monday when a group of kayakers who were search for McNair found him floating in Valley Creek along Toadvine Road. Deputies attempted to recover the body, but due to the extremely rugged terrain in the area, they were unable to safely remove it in the dark.
Authorities returned to the Oak Grove scene about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and deputies, along with Concord Fire and Rescue, were able to resume recovery efforts. He was officially pronounced dead on the scene at 7:30 a.m.
Authorities have not yet said how McNair died.
