Body of 21‑Year‑Old Kayaker Recovered After Hood Canal Capsizing Incident
Updated (3 articles)
Kayak Capsizes Near Hazel Point Friday Night Around 10 p.m. on Friday, 21‑year‑old Ashton Johnston and a friend capsized in a two‑person kayak near Hazel Point on Hood Canal; Johnston was not wearing a life jacket while his companion reached shore and called 911 [1][2].
Multi‑Agency Search Spanned Over 40 Square Miles The U.S. Coast Guard deployed an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium, and the cutter USCGC Blue Shark, working with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and local fire‑rescue crews in twelve missions covering roughly 43 sq mi, yet found no trace initially [2].
Search Suspended Then Body Recovered Sunday On 22 February the Coast Guard announced the search was halted pending new information, but the following day Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Washington Fish and Wildlife officers located Johnston’s remains, confirming his death [2][1].
Family Calls for Safety Awareness After Tragedy Johnston is survived by fiancée Aliyah Holmes and their one‑year‑old daughter; the family urges the public to wear personal flotation devices to prevent similar accidents [1].
Sources
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1.
King5: Man Dies After Kayaking Accident on Hood Canal, Family Confirms: details the recovery of Ashton Johnston’s body, family statements, and a safety plea about life‑jackets .
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2.
King5: Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Hood Canal Kayaker: outlines the suspension of the search, assets used, capsizing circumstances, and a call for public tips, without naming the victim .
Timeline
Dec 2025 – A fishing boat overturns on the Bogachiel River near the Leyendecker Boat Ramp in Forks, leaving three occupants—Christian Akers (35), his 7‑year‑old son Wyatt, and Alfonso Graham (39)—in the water; first responders attempt rescues but Akers and Wyatt die on scene while Graham’s body is later identified by his fishing license and personal items, prompting a multi‑agency response that includes 32 responders, drones, and a swift‑water rescue team, and a GoFundMe raises nearly $48 K for the Akers family [3].
Feb 21, 2026 (Friday night) – Around 10 p.m., 21‑year‑old Ashton Johnston capsizes his two‑person kayak near Hazel Point on Hood Canal while not wearing a life jacket; his friend reaches shore, calls 911, and reports Johnston missing, triggering an immediate search by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, state Fish and Wildlife officers, and local fire‑rescue crews [2].
Feb 22, 2026 – The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound ends the active search for Johnston after twelve missions covering 43 sq mi using an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium, and the cutter USCGC Blue Shark fail to locate him; officials withhold his identity but urge the public to provide any tips [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – Crews recover Johnston’s body from Hood Canal on Sunday afternoon, confirming his death; his fiancée Aliyah Holmes and their one‑year‑old daughter mourn his loss, and Holmes states she hopes his story “prevents future tragedies” by urging others to wear life jackets and practice water safety [1].
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External resources (2 links)
- https://www.facebook.com/SectorPugetSound (cited 1 times)