Body of One Missing Duck Hunter Found in Thermalito Afterbay

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery of the body of 19-year-old Andruw Cornett, one of two brothers who went missing while duck hunting in Thermalito Afterbay on December 14. The search for his 17-year-old brother, Wesley Cornett, continues.

According to officials, the brothers went missing after one of their kayaks overturned in the water. Wesley reportedly entered the water in an attempt to help Andruw, but neither resurfaced.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, a pilot from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office spotted a body on the north side of the Afterbay. The sheriff’s marine unit and search and rescue team recovered the body, which was later identified as Andruw Cornett.

The recovery efforts were briefly disrupted when a drone flew dangerously close to the sheriff’s pilot, forcing them to land. Officials warned that drones hinder search operations and urged the public to avoid flying them in the area.

Since the brothers’ disappearance, multiple agencies and volunteers, including civilian diver Juan Heredia, have been tirelessly searching the Afterbay. The sheriff’s office has stated that the search for Wesley Cornett will continue.