Search for missing kayaker to resume

REELSVILLE -- As rain has continued to be an on-and-off phenomenon this week, the search for a Putnam County kayaker missing since last Tuesday has stalled. The search is set to resume in upcoming days however.

Reelsville fire chief John McPherson said his department hasn't had a chance to conduct a formal search on Big Walnut Creek for David Pritchett, 48, since last Friday because of the weather. McPherson said two upcoming searches should have a large number of people involved.

"I talked to his wife last night. She and (some family members) are going to get out (today)," McPherson said. "They're expecting 30 to 40 family and friends to get out and search in the area that they believe he went in to the river."

In addition to the family's search, McPherson said his department would be conducting a search this Saturday.

"We want for everyone to meet at the (Reelsville) firehouse at 9 a.m. We're bringing in several resources," McPherson said. "We've got some cadaver dogs that we'll be using on the river bank and in the water."

McPherson said the search would involve an expanded search area around Big Walnut.

"We're going to be doing this search throughout the rest of Putnam County and going into Clay County," he said. "It's about eight river miles that we're going to cover."

McPherson said he was expecting searchers to come from a variety of locations

"I'm expecting probably 40 to 50 or more volunteers, not only from our department but from the community and other departments," he said. "We're bringing the dogs in from Indianapolis and an entire search and rescue team from Indianapolis as well."

Pritchett launched his kayak at 6:30 p.m. April 19 in a break between two storms. His family reported him missing around 10 p.m. that night.