Search for missing kayaker in Girardville called off

GIRARDVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — After weeks of searching, rescue crews have officially ended efforts to locate a kayaker that went missing in a stripping pit in Girardville back in May .

According to Girardville Police Chief Frank Zangari, the search for Donald Haymaker, 42, of Girardville, has been suspended. Zangari says they will reassess recovery efforts if there are developments, or new information becomes available.

The search has been ongoing since Haymaker reportedly overturned his kayak in a stripping pit filled with water near East Main Street in the borough on May 28.

Chief Zangari says multiple local, county, and state agencies have been assisting with the recovery efforts and using advanced sonar technology and Pennsylvania State Police K9s.

Haymaker’s boots were recovered during the initial search. The stripping pit is reported to be as deep as 300 feet in some areas.

Zangari also said this week’s extreme heat is one of the reasons recovery efforts are ending, noting the hazard it poses to the volunteers. Zangari also expressed his thanks to all those involved in the operation.

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