Janice R. Andrews
Authorities in Northern California believe they have found the second body of two teenage brothers who went missing during a duck-hunting trip last month. Andruw Cornett, 19, and Wesley Cornett, 17, from Yuba County, were last seen on December 14 in the Thermalito Afterbay near Lake Oroville, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
The body of Andruw was found on December 31. Over the weekend, a passerby discovered what authorities believe to be Wesley’s body in the water near Highway 162. DNA testing is pending to confirm his identity.
The tragic incident occurred when Wesley’s kayak capsized. Despite advice from a 911 dispatcher to stay in his kayak, Andruw jumped into the water to attempt a rescue. Both brothers were eventually submerged, and neither was wearing a life jacket.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene just 15 minutes after the call, launching an extensive search operation.
Andruw’s mother, April Clark, called her son a hero for trying to save his brother. “This is a tragic accident that our family is trying to process,” she wrote on GoFundMe, where funds are being raised to support her family, including four young sisters.
Family and friends held a vigil on Saturday night near the location where Wesley’s body was found, honoring the brothers’ memory.
This tragedy highlights the importance of water safety and wearing life jackets during outdoor activities.
