THE body of missing Tasmanian kayaker Leon Wescombe has been recovered from a Californian river.
Older brother Damien Wescombe, of Gawler, just south of Ulverstone, said while it was a relief Leon’s body had been found, the family had already accepted that he had drowned.
Damien’s kayak flipped on the Cosumnes River near the town of El Dorado on June 14.
The kayak was found in the days following his disappearance, but searchers could find no sign of the 29-year-old adventurer and cystic fibrosis researcher.
The El Dorado Sheriff’s Department contacted the Wescombe family on Tuesday to tell them they had found Leon’s body after extensive river and air searches.
About a week after Leon’s disappearance, family members met one of his travelling companions, experienced kayaker James Thorp.
As Mr Thorp described Leon’s last moments, his family realised he wouldn’t be coming home.
“James showed us pictures and explained what had happened and once we saw the pictures of what the river was like, we knew he had drowned,” Damien said.
…
Mr Wescombe is survived by his father Kerry and stepmother Dawn, brothers Damien and Jeremy, sister Donna and his long-term partner Allison Wilson.
Around 500 people attended a memorial service for Leon on Saturday in Devonport. During the service, the University of Tasmania presented Leon’s PhD – something he’d been waiting to receive.
Leon’s family is determined to make sure his years of hard work count by setting up a fund to continue his PhD research into cystic fibrosis. To donate, visit:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/leonwescombe
