Authorities confirmed that the body of a missing kayaker was an Otterbein student.
On Sunday Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that teams recovered the body of 21-year-old Otterbein junior zoo and conservation sciences major Kyle Miller following a kayaking accident Saturday morning. Miller and Otterbein sophomore physics major Austin Gifford were kayaking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park when their boats overturned after the two men tried to save Miller’s dog.
Gifford was pulled from the water and treated then released from an area hospital.
Miller was from Hilliard and was a member of the track team.
“As a person, he was very polite, very respectful,” said track and field coach David Lehman. Lehman said that he “enjoyed having him around, being around him.”
Calling hours for Miller are Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Tidd Family Funeral Home in Hilliard. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Hilliard.
Students are invited to an open meeting with the chaplain, Judy Guion-Utsler, and counseling services on March 23 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel. Students will have the opportunity to share memories and grief as well as discuss possible ways to remember Kyle.
Editor’s Note: Anna Schiffbauer contributed to this article. This article has been updated.
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