Authorities located the body of a kayaker one day after he was reported missing.

Erick Ross, 25, was kayaking on Lake Waccamaw over the holiday weekend and, on Monday, Sept. 7, decided to go on a second trip around the lake. He “was tired” and stopped at a lakeside campground store, Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said, WECT reported. He was last seen around 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, according to The Charlotte Observer.

At around 4:45 p.m., his kayak was found floating 300 yards off a boat ramp. Ross’ personal belongings, including his cellphone, were found inside the kayak, according to a news release from the Town of Lake Waccamaw.

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Columbus County Sheriff’s Office
Local authorities then began a search-and-rescue operation with at least 25 different agencies. The search paused at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and resumed at 7 a.m. Ross’ body was recovered in the lake around 11:30 a.m.

The recovery of his body is credited to the Wildlife Resources officers’ specialized sonar equipment, Rogers said, according to WECT.

“That boat there is what it’s made for… They picked him up and found him within five minutes in the water with that big boat,” Rogers said of the search of the large lake. Lake Waccamaw is one of North Carolina’s largest natural lakes, occupying nearly 9,000 acres and averaging a average depth of 7.5 feet, according to Lake Observations.

Ross was a Ph.D. student in mathematical sciences at Clemson University, WXII reported.

“We hope his family, friends and loved ones find solace in the cherished memories of time they spent with Erick. He will always be remembered,” John Lopes, the school’s associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, said in announcing Ross’ death.

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“On behalf of the Town of Lake Waccamaw, we extend our deepest sympathies to Erick’s family and loved ones during this difficult and tragic time,” Emergency Management Director Chase Lancaster said in a statement.

“We want to thank North Carolina State Parks, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and all of the other responding agencies for their dedication, response and assistance throughout the search,” Lancaster said.

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The Lake Waccamaw Police are investigating and have asked local residents and business owners with security cameras to submit any video that could assist in the investigation.

PEOPLE reached out to the Lake Waccamaw Police and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for comment.