UpdatedFri, Jul 2, 2021 at 7:25 am ET
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Raistlin Ruther on the water he loved so much. (Courtesy Laura Schwarz Gandara)
RIVERHEAD, NY Friday marks six months since Raistlin Ruther, 18, died while kayaking in the Great Peconic Bay and for those who love him, the months feel like minutes, the reality that he is never going to return with his bright smile and caring heart seemingly impossible to fathom.
Raistlin went kayaking on January 2, launching in South Jamesport into the Great Peconic Bay; Riverhead Police said a report came in that afternoon that he was overdue, and the search began. Several hours later, Raistlin s capsized kayak, The Bay Dream, was located off the shore of Meschutt County Beach in Hampton Bays; his body was found soon after.
UpdatedSun, Jan 3, 2021 at 10:26 am ET
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The 18-year old died while kayaking Saturday, police said. (Shutterstock.)
SOUTH JAMESPORT, NY Police have identified the missing Riverhead kayaker whose body was found Saturday night, authorities said.
Raistlin Ruther, 18, was found in the water in the Hampton Bays area, police said.
According to Riverhead Town Police, on Saturday at 4:13 p.m., a report came in about an overdue kayaker who had launched earlier in the day at 8 a.m. from West Street in South Jamesport into the Great Peconic Bay.
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The Riverhead Police Department s dive team was activated and began conducting a search of area waterways while patrol units conducted searches of nearby beaches, police said. The size and scope of the search increased dramatically as daylight diminished and weather conditions worsened, police said.