The search for two teenage brothers who vanished during a duck hunting trip in Northern California has transitioned from rescue to recovery, leaving a family and community heartbroken. 17-year-old Wesley Cornett and 19-year-old Andruw Cornett disappeared in the frigid waters of the Thermalito Afterbay on December 14th, prompting an extensive search effort by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Frantic 911 Call and Initial Search Efforts
The tragic events unfolded when Andruw Cornett placed a desperate 911 call reporting that his younger brother Wesley’s kayak had capsized. He informed the dispatcher that Wesley was swimming away from the overturned vessel and that he, Andruw, was entering the water in an attempt to rescue his brother. Crucially, Andruw stated that neither he nor Wesley were wearing life jackets. Authorities immediately responded to the scene, initiating a large-scale search and rescue operation involving divers, boats, aircraft, drones, K9 units, and on-shore vehicles.
From Rescue to Recovery: A Grim Reality
Despite the intensive search efforts, the brothers remained missing. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office announced on December 23rd that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery. This difficult decision came after days of searching yielded only a few personal belongings: Andruw’s pants, Wesley’s wallet, and his jacket containing his cell phone. Sgt. Brian Evans, a member of the sheriff’s marine unit, confirmed to local news affiliate KRCR that the ongoing efforts were focused on recovery.
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The Challenges of Searching the Thermalito Afterbay
The Thermalito Afterbay presents significant challenges for search and rescue teams. The water depth varies from a mere three feet to a daunting 30 feet, with dense vegetation reaching up to 10 feet tall. This underwater foliage poses a serious entanglement risk for divers, while the frigid water temperatures severely limit dive times due to the threat of hypothermia. These factors have made the recovery operation incredibly difficult and contributed to the shift in focus from rescue to recovery.
A Mother’s Heartbreak and Community Support
April Clark, the mother of the missing brothers, expressed her profound grief in a heartbreaking GoFundMe post. She wrote about the unimaginable pain of planning to lay her two sons to rest and appealed to the community for support in covering funeral expenses. The GoFundMe campaign has received an outpouring of generosity, raising over $41,000 of its $45,000 goal. The funds will assist the family in bringing the boys home and honoring their memory.
Remembering Wesley and Andruw Cornett
As the community mourns the loss of these two young lives, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during cold weather activities. Wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death, and authorities urge everyone engaging in water sports to take this precaution seriously. The Cornett brothers were passionate about duck hunting, a hobby they shared and enjoyed together. They will be remembered for their love of the outdoors and the bond they shared as brothers. The investigation into the incident continues, but the focus remains on recovering the boys and providing closure to their grieving family. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the ongoing search and recovery efforts and will continue to provide updates as they become available. This devastating event has touched the hearts of many, and the community continues to rally around the Cornett family during this incredibly difficult time.
