Searchers recover body of kayaker in Flathead Lake

Authorities recovered the body of a Somers man who drowned in a kayaking accident on Flathead Lake last week.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said deputies from his department and divers from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office recovered the body of 29-year-old Nicholas Lockwood on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Lockwood was reported missing the previous Tuesday after his kayak capsized in deep water near the boat launch at West Shore State Park.

Bell said the cause of death is believed to be drowning. Lockwood's body was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for further investigation.

Citing preliminary findings of the investigation, Bell said Lockwood was with another kayaker when they encountered rough water, causing the boat to flip and sending both men into the water. Neither was wearing a life preserver.

Bystanders rescued the other kayaker as he tried to rescue Lockwood, Bell said. The other kayaker was not injured.