Body of kayaker found after missing for a month

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on July 22nd, 2022 the body of missing kayaker William Henniger was recovered.He was last seen on the morning of June 25th kayaking on the Little Wenatchee River.

Mr. Henniger and a partner put their kayaks in the water approximately 6 miles up the Little Wenatchee. Soon after entering the water, they encountered extremely rough water. Mr. Henniger’s partner was able to exit the water but Mr. Henniger was not seen again after going over a waterfall.

On July 22nd, it was determined the water level had receded enough to search the area more thoroughly with less hazard to the searchers. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Swift Water Rescue Team, volunteers, and personnel from Chelan County Fire District 9 were able locate him at approximately 4:00 pm. He was about a half mile downstream from where he was last seen. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was used to lift Mr. Henniger’s body out of the river gorge. The area has steep embankments and thick trees and brush making it difficult to maneuver from the river to the road.