SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: According to the city of Siloam Springs, the kayak park will reopen on August 29 with no new changes to rules and regulations.


SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: The swimmer has been identified as 23-year-old Slade McDowell, according to Siloam Springs Interim Chief of Police Scott Miller and the sister of the swimmer, Aquarius McDowell.

The cause was ruled an accidental drowning.

According to Miller, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, they received a call about a missing person in the water at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park.

The search began soon after but was suspended around 1:30 a.m. and resumed at 7 a.m. on Saturday, according to Miller.

Slade’s body was recovered at 10:46 a.m. by the Benton County Dive Team.

Miller says Slade was swimming with friends and family and was not wearing a lifejacket at the time he went under the water.


SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: A body has been located, according to the City of Siloam Springs.

The investigation is ongoing.


SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Siloam Springs Kayak Park has been temporarily closed due to an ongoing search for a missing swimmer Saturday morning, according to a release.

Benton County authorities, the Siloam Springs Fire Department, and Siloam Springs Police have teamed up for the search and rescue operation.

This is the second time in the last month that the Kayak Park has closed due to a rescue.

Stay with KNWA/FOX24 as we bring you the latest.