Body found in Clinton River, possibly missing kayaker

Kayak discovered underneath log jam, body found nearby

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A kayak and the body of an unidentified male were discovered in the Clinton River Sunday afternoon.  Police believe the man is that of missing kayaker Oliver Dixon III.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., the Shelby Township Police Department received a call that a citizen found a blue and white kayak underneath a log jam on the Clinton River.  The kayak was in the area being searched between the River Bends Canoe Launch and Heritage Park in the city of Utica. 

A search team responded to the area and located the body of an unidentified male at the scene.

Dixon headed for River Bends Boat Launch Thursday to go kayaking in the Clinton River. When he was reported missing by family, police found Dixon's car at the boat launch parking area.  It appears Dixon parked his car there before unloading his kayak.

Police believe Dixon entered the water near Ryan Road and 22 mile Road in an attempt to kayak to Heritage Park in Utica near M-59 and Van Dyke.