A devastating search operation for two teenage brothers who disappeared while duck hunting in Butte County, California, has taken a heartbreaking turn. On Tuesday morning, a body was recovered from the Thermalito Afterbay, where 19-year-old Andruw Cornett and his 17-year-old brother, Wesley Cornett, were last seen on December 14.
The brothers' disappearance occurred during a duck-hunting trip, when Wesley's kayak capsized as he attempted to retrieve a downed duck. Witnesses reported that Andruw, who was on the shore, immediately entered the frigid waters to rescue his younger brother. Despite his heroic efforts, neither brother has been seen or heard from since.
The search operation, led by the Butte County Sheriff's Office, has been ongoing since the brothers' disappearance. On Tuesday, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a sheriff's office helicopter spotted a body in the water. However, the recovery operation was briefly interrupted when an unauthorized drone flew too close to the helicopter, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.
The Butte County Sheriff's Office issued a stern warning that drone interference in such operations is not only unlawful but also poses a significant risk to the safety of personnel involved. The office emphasized that such actions may result in criminal charges.
The identity of the recovered body has not yet been confirmed, pending notification of the Cornett family. The brothers' disappearance occurred under challenging weather conditions, with high winds and rough water creating hazardous whitecaps on the afterbay.
The local community has been deeply impacted by the loss, with friends and family of the Cornett brothers gathering in solidarity, hoping for closure as the search continues. The Butte County Sheriff's Office remains committed to the investigation and search efforts, with authorities continuing to survey the area and urging the public to avoid interfering with ongoing recovery operations.
As the search operation continues, the community is coming together to support the Cornett family during this difficult time. The tragic loss of the two brothers serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties associated with outdoor activities, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The investigation into the brothers' disappearance is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available. The community remains hopeful that the search operation will bring closure to the Cornett family and provide answers to the many questions surrounding the tragic disappearance of the two brothers.
