Soldier who went missing while kayaking in Missouri found dead, officials say

Update: Specialist Joshua J. Morrison was found dead Thursday morning after he went missing during a kayaking trip on the Gasconade River, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

Morrison was reported missing after he went kayaking on Sunday, MSHP said.

“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team is devastated by this tragic loss – Spc. Morrison was our teammate, and his service was valued and appreciated.,” U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood said on Facebook. ”Our thoughts and prayers are with Spc. Morrison’s family, friends and fellow Soldiers, and we continue to care for and support them during this difficult time.”

An investigation is ongoing, U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood said in the statement.

Read the original story below:

A solider vanished after he was last known to be kayaking in Missouri.

Now, a search and rescue operation is underway.

Specialist Joshua J. Morrison’s last known whereabouts were near Ruby’s Landing after kayaking on the Gasconade River in Waynesville, Missouri, U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood released in a Facebook post. Waynesville is nestled in the Missouri Ozarks, about 50 miles southeast of Lake of the Ozarks. Ruby’s Landing is a river resort that offers kayaking, river floats, camping and more.

“Fort Leonard Wood first responders along with Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are working closely with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and the Waynesville Fire Department with search and rescue operations along the river,” Army officials said in the statement.

Fort Leonard Wood leaders said they are in contact with Specialist Morrison’s family.

Army leaders and The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence are requesting the public’s help in finding the missing solider.

If you have seen Morrison or know where he may be, contact law enforcement officials at 573-596-6141.

This story was originally published August 17, 2021 at 7:46 AM with the headline "Soldier who went missing while kayaking in Missouri found dead, officials say."