Body of missing kayaker found after a week, identified as former Marine

THURMONT, Md. (WUSA) - The body of a missing kayaker was recovered from a Maryland river a week after he disappeared during severe weather.

Sean Chilson, 34, was declared missing May 14 after his empty kayak and gear were seen floating downstream in the Monocacy River in Frederick County. He had gone kayaking as the river began to rise after heavy rain that produced flooding through much of western Maryland.

Rescuers searched the river for six days before Sean Chilson’s body was found about 6 p.m. Tuesday near the Biggs Ford Bridge, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police.

Sean Chilson was a former Marine who served in Okinawa, according to his brother, Seth Chilson, who announced the death on Facebook. He worked as a sales manager for Century Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep in Frederick County.

The 34-year-old loved to hike and be outside around friends. He had a contagious smile and was loved by many, according to his brother.

Another family member described Sean Chilson as an experienced kayaker in a social media post made during the search.

Authorities were issuing warnings about the possibility of more rising water due to rain ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. In Montgomery County, swift water rescue crews were set to patrol the Potomac River near Great Falls to discourage vacationers from swimming and wading in the dangerous currents.

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