Canoe Accident Leads to 19-Year-Old Man Missing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – On July 2 just after 8 p.m., authorities were called to Wehrspann Lake around Chalco Hills for a water rescue.

A canoe tipped over with two people on board. One went under water and his 17-year-old friend made it to shore.

His family identified him as Wyatt Bernal, a 19-year-old, who was fishing with his friend when the canoe capsized however law enforcement has not yet identified those involved.

The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has restricted the use of all watercraft and access to the boat dock at the Chalco Hills Recreation Area due to search crews continually search for Bernal.

Many departments are arriving to the lake to help including Gretna Fire & Rescue, Omaha Fire Department water rescue unites and the SCSO command post.

As of Friday, July 3, the SCSO requested that the public avoid the area and allow search crews space to work.