UPDATE: Search for Missing Swimmers at Kanopolis Lake Becomes Recovery Operation
Authorities shift focus after boating incident leaves father and teen missing in lake waters
ELLSWORTH COUNTY — A search for two missing swimmers at Kanopolis Lake transitioned to a recovery effort Friday morning after a boating incident left three people stranded in the water without life jackets. The Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office reported that three swimmers at Kimble Point lost their boat to the current Thursday, with only one person rescued after treading water for up to three hours.
Reagen Dalke was pulled from the water by concerned boaters and airlifted to a Wichita hospital in serious condition after initially being treated at Lindsborg Hospital. Her mother, Lisa Dalke, said Reagen was exhausted and "minutes from quitting" when rescuers found her. The search continues for Reagen's father and best friend, with the sheriff's office deploying drones to assist in the recovery operation. Kenny Bernard of the sheriff's office confirmed the search became a recovery effort around 9 a.m. Friday.