Crews in Josephine Co. search for missing kayaker

Update (1/26 4:06pm): 11 search and rescue crew members have dwindled down to just one today with Marine Deputy Ernie Fields leading the search for Corey Moleski by boat.

Deputy fields says search efforts are turning into body recovery efforts as a rise in water levels is hindering crews.

Deputies have confirmed that Corey Moleski was not wearing a life jacket at the time he entered the water but that one was tied to his kayak. That life jacket has not been found.

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Grants Pass, Ore. — Law enforcement in Josephine County are searching for a kayaker on the Rogue River in Grants Pass after he went missing Sunday. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office says 26-year old Corey Maleski left Tom Pierce Park before 8 Sunday morning and planned to meet friends at Riverside Park shortly after, but he never showed.

Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Search & Rescue Volunteers went to the area to begin a search. One Marine Deputy found the unoccupied kayak downriver from Riverside Park. The Sheriff’s office says Maleski had a yellow life jacket tied to the front of the kayak when he left in the morning but it was missing from the kayak when it was found. It’s unknown if Maleski put the life jacket on.

Search efforts Sunday were suspended at approximate 6 pm due to low light conditions but resumed Monday morning.

Oregon State Police Game Division and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division are assisting the Josephine County Sheriff’s Marine Deputy and Search & Rescue Volunteers with continued search efforts on the river.

If anyone sees a yellow life jacket floating or stuck in rocks or brush downriver from Riverside Park, you’re asked to call law enforcement.

This page will be updated as more information is released.