Nik Kayler recovered from Lake Okeechobee
January 10, 2018
Lake Okeechobee,Fla- The FLW announced that the body of co-angler Nik Kayler, 38, of Apopka, Florida, has been recovered from Lake Okeechobee.
They said that Kayler’s body was recovered from the lake near Clewiston, Florida, Wednesday morning by a commercial vessel.
Numerous agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), United States Coast Guard, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office were involved in the search which began Thursday evening.
“Our prayers are with Nik’s family during this time of unimaginable tragedy,” said FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel. “The loss of his life touches the entire fishing community.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established benefiting Nik’s wife, Kelly, and daughter, Caralee. To make a contribution, please visit GoFundMe.com/Nik-Kayler.
An official statement from the FWC was released Wednesday afternoon:
On Thursday, January 4, William Kisiah (DOB 4/9/1966) of Slidell, LA and Nicolas Kayler (DOB 1/1/1980) of Apopka, FL departed the C. Scott Driver boat ramp located on the Kissimmee River in Okeechobee, Florida aboard a 21’ Ranger Bass Boat. Preliminary information indicates that the vessel encountered rough waters and struck a wave and Mr. Kayler was ejected from the vessel. Mr. Kisiah made landfall at the Pahokee Marina later that evening when he made contact with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Numerous agencies, including the FWC, United States Coast Guard, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office were involved in the search for Mr. Kayler.
Mr. Kayler’s body was recovered on the morning of January 10 by a commercial vessel in the vicinity of the Clewiston water tower on the lake.
For boating safety tips, please visit MyFWC.com/boating.
This incident is currently under investigation by the FWC.
January 10, 2018