Over the weekend, a man lost his life while competing in a kayak race on Lake Michigan.
According to U.S. Coast Guard Station Manistee, rescuers were summoned to Point Betsie in Frankfort at 2:10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, for a report of a kayaker who was in the water about a quarter mile offshore. Before rescuers arrived, the individual had spent roughly 90 minutes submerged in the 50° water. There were 6-7 foot waves present.
Nick Walton, the subject, was dressed with a wetsuit and life jacket.
According to City of Frankfort Fire & Rescue, Walton was pulled from the water by personnel from U.S. Coast Air Station Traverse City, who then flew him by helicopter to the Frankfort Airport where they met an ambulance that would transport him to a nearby hospital.
Walton was declared dead at the medical facility.
