By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent
A Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 member who reportedly landed in the Missouri River while paragliding Oct. 26 is still missing, and family and friends are asking for support in funding additional search efforts.
Kenny Lee Loudermilk, a fourth-year apprentice at Jarrell Mechanical Contractors, and a fellow glider suited up for a scenic fall trip from Defiance to Hermann. Eyewitnesses say he landed in the river just southeast of the Highway 47 Bridge in Washington and never resurfaced.
Officers with Missouri Water Patrol Troop C have been in contact with their network for additional support searching the river from the sky and by boat. Last week local sheriffs called in advanced dog teams to inspect key areas of possibility. Further inspection by search and rescue dive teams will begin as weather permits.
“Please continue your positivity, your prayers and good vibes!” the family wrote on its Go Fund Me page. “We believe in the power of prayer and will continue to live in hope.”
The Go Fund Me account will help pay for search efforts, final expenses and to support Brother Loudermilk’s only daughter Kylie. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/finding-kenny-lee-laudermilk-kylies-support.