Lake Ronkonkoma search resumes for missing kayaker Kevin Conley
Police search for a missing kayaker -- identified by Suffolk County police as Kevin Conley, 40 -- in Lake Ronkonkoma Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. Credit: Ed Betz
Ten days after a Sound Beach kayaker was last seen disappearing into the waters of Lake Ronkonkoma, police divers went back into the lake Friday to find his body.
No trace of the missing kayaker, identified by Suffolk County police as Kevin Conley, 40, has been found. Police investigators have said they believe Conley died in the lake.
A police spokeswoman said the search Friday was classified as "a dive operation" and included divers and side-scan radar -- one of the continuing searches police said would continue as resources allow.
Conley was last seen about 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 struggling in the water and sinking after his life vest popped off.
Two days later, swimmers found Conley's kayak near where he disappeared and brought it ashore.
Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island's largest freshwater lake, is 15 feet deep in most parts but as deep as 65 feet in certain places, said the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
On Monday, the marine bureau and the emergency service section searched using sonar and divers, police said.
With Ellen Yan
'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.
'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.
