The body of a Norwich teen who disappeared into the water while kayaking on the Shetucket River last week has been found, according to Norwich police.
Seventeen-year-old Karl Joseph had been missing since last Sunday night, when witnesses say his kayak overturned and he was thrown into the river. Bystanders tried to rescue the teen but were unsuccessful. Crews searched the water for several days but were unable to locate the teen.
Police say Joseph’s body was found around 1:45 p.m. Sunday in the area of kayak capsized and at this time his death appears to be a tragic accident.
The Norwich Free Academy, where Joseph was a junior, issued the following statement in response to the news:
“The Norwich Free Academy community grieves the death of Karl Joseph. Karl was a respected, outgoing, and popular member of the Class of 2016. His smile characterized him. The thoughts and prayers of the entire NFA community are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Our crisis management team has met and will continue to meet. Counseling and support services available to our students, faculty, and staff during the course of the past week will continue as long as members of the NFA community are in need of them.”
Detectives and the medical examiner are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact Detective Wilbur of the Norwich police detective division at 860 886 5561 ext. 152.
