A nearly two-day search along the Meramec River ended in heartbreak Friday afternoon when crews recovered the body of a 19-year-old man just downstream from Castlewood State Park. The search began after witnesses reported seeing him go under the water Wednesday night. Authorities have not yet released his name while relatives are notified and the county medical examiner takes over the case.
Recovery ends multi-day search
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said crews found a body around 12:30 p.m. Friday and transferred the remains to the St. Louis County morgue, according to KFVS. Witnesses told first responders the young man went under at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, which sparked a large response that included dive teams, state water patrol units, Metro Air Support and dozens of county police officers. Officials said the discovery brought an end to a series of intense surface, sonar and canine searches along the downstream stretch of the river.
How crews searched the river
Search teams worked the area where Kiefer Creek meets the Meramec using boats with sonar, dive teams and cadaver dogs, and photos from the scene show people walking past prominent “no swimming” signs while crews were on the water, according to the St. Louis Post‑Dispatch. Operations were paused overnight because of dangerous after-dark conditions, then restarted at first light so divers and sonar operators could work more safely. Multiple fire districts and law enforcement agencies coordinated the effort along the lower stretch of the river.
Why the Meramec can be deadly
The Meramec can look calm from the bank, but park officials warn that it often hides strong currents, sudden drop-offs and submerged debris that can trap swimmers. Castlewood State Park and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources post on-site river safety notices that stress how quickly conditions can change after rain and that unguarded areas of the river are not considered safe for swimming. Visitors are urged to wear life jackets and use extra caution near the water, especially when flows are high.
Trooper Dallas Thompson urged people to suit up before getting in the river, saying, “If you're going to be out there, put your life vest on. That's your best defense if you get in trouble,” and Metro West Fire Protection District’s Matt Coppin said crews were working “to help bring closure to that family,” according to KFVS. Authorities are asking visitors to stay out of the Meramec at Castlewood until conditions are reevaluated and posted warnings are followed.
