On October 26, 2022, a 35-year-old man named Kenneth 'Kenny' Loudermilk, a single father to a 15-year-old daughter, was seen for the last time. An experienced and avid paraglider, Kenneth was enjoying his hobby over the Missouri River near the Route 47 bridge in Washington, Missouri, when the unforeseen occurred. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Kenneth's paraglider go down, and tragically, they watched as he and his gear crashed into the river.
He submerged and never came back to the surface.
In the days that followed, an extensive search and rescue operation was launched by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with marine operations troopers on the water daily. The search efforts covered a significant area, with crews using sonar equipment and dragging methods to scan a six-mile stretch of the river where he was last seen. Despite these exhaustive efforts, which also involved the Washington Fire Department and other local agencies, neither Kenneth nor his paragliding equipment were located. The community, including his fellow union pipefitters, rallied in support, holding prayer vigils and offering whatever assistance they could to the family during this difficult time.
The investigation into what caused the crash and Kenneth's subsequent disappearance has not yielded definitive answers. The family, grappling with the sudden and tragic event, has pleaded for any information that could lead to his recovery. Described as a devoted single father, his absence has left a profound void in the life of his daughter. The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable nature of recreational aviation and the powerful currents of the Missouri River. The search for Kenneth has been a community effort, marked by hope and the unwavering spirit of his loved ones, who continue to seek closure.Last Seen: Oct 26, 2022
