Kayaker’s Body Found in South Chickamauga Creek Sunday

East Ridge, TN – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced Sunday the recovery of deceased 26-year-old Robert Young from the South Chickamauga Creek.

Young’s fiancé reported him missing Saturday afternoon after calls to his phone went directly to voicemail.

Assistant Chief Uselton said a woman contacted authorities after she dropped off her boyfriend to go kayaking at South Chickamauga Creek and he did not come back to be picked up, according to News Channel 9.

TWRA, STARS Rescue Service, East Ridge Fire, Chattanooga Fire, and Chattanooga Police were unable to locate the missing kayaker Saturday and did not recover him until the following afternoon.

East Ridge PD told News Channel 9 that Young’s kayak was found near the I-75 overpass, 300 yards from the Camp Jordan launching point.

Robert “DJ” Young’s body was transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This is not the first time a body has been found in the South Chickamauga Creek.

In May 2019, News Channel 9 reported the recovery of a 30-year-old Catoosa man’s body from the Creek.

No evidence of foul play or any cause of death have been reported in either case.

South Chickamauga Creek waters have been known to fluctuate between knee level and 9 feet deep, potentially causing a dangerous situation.