FLORIDA — The teenager who went missing during a kayaking accident earlier this month has been found dead, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said a civilian discovered the body of Elias Guillermo Lara Vargas on Clearwater Beach at approximately 7:40 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office confirmed the identification later that morning.
Lara Vargas went missing on Jan. 18 after he and Savannah Ozer, 19, were thrown into the water when waves capsized their kayaks near Honeymoon Island. Ozer was rescued from the water and transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Lara Vargas was not located for more than a week despite extensive search efforts involving the U.S. Coast Guard and local first responders.
Authorities said Lara Vargas’ family has been notified of his death and that the incident does not appear to be suspicious. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
