A student from Boswell High School has been identified as the kayaker who tragically lost his life in a deadly kayaking accident on Benbrook Lake on Tuesday. The body of the missing kayaker was recovered Wednesday after an extensive search that lasted more than a day, authorities confirmed.
At approximately 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Benbrook Fire Department received a distress call reporting that a male kayaker had flipped over in the water at Benbrook Lake and had not resurfaced. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, deploying a rescue boat, medic unit, and tanker to assist with the operation.
In addition to the efforts by Benbrook Fire, the search involved assistance from multiple agencies, including the local police department, Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers, and Texas Game Wardens. As conditions deteriorated and the initial rescue operation transitioned into a recovery mission by Tuesday afternoon, the Fort Worth Fire Department dive team was brought in to aid the search. GoFundMe.
However, high winds hampered the recovery efforts, preventing divers from successfully locating and retrieving the kayaker, identified as Luke Nickens. The search was resumed on Wednesday morning under improved conditions, leading to the recovery of his body later that day, according to Benbrook Fire.
Benbrook Lake, a reservoir on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River in Tarrant County, is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as Luke Nickens was not only a promising student at Boswell High School but also an avid kayaker known for his passion for the sport.
Local officials and school representatives have expressed their profound sadness over the loss of a young life full of potential. The community is urged to come together in support of Luke’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local emergency services.
