Michigan State Police have confirmed the identity of a body found on November 8 at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as John Kueber, a 65-year-old kayaker who had been reported missing since late September. According to a report from The Detroit News, DNA analysis was used to determine that the remains belonged to Kueber definitively. He was last known to have gone kayaking on Lake Superior and was last heard from on September 22.
Kueber had been the focus of an extensive search effort that included multiple agencies and succeeded in covering large swathes of the lake and adjacent land areas. The coordination included the MSP Eighth District, the MSP Aviation and Marine Services Team, the Alger County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, and the National Park Service. Despite their efforts, Kueber was not found until hikers spotted the body washed ashore near Miners Beach, as reported by UpNorthLive.
Foul play is not suspected in Kueber's disappearance and death. "This is not the outcome any of us were hoping for," Michigan State Lt. Ben Eckola said. "We offer our condolences to the family, friends, and all those who knew Mr. Kueber. We also thank all those who assisted in the search efforts," he added, as ClickOnDetroit cited. Kueber's family has been notified about the discovery and is requesting privacy.
Michigan State Police are encouraging anyone with any further information regarding Kueber's last days to please come forward to assist in comprehensively understanding the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Informants can contact the MSP Negaunee Post at 906-475-9922.
