PALATKA, Fla. — The kayaker who went missing in the St. Johns River in Putnam County Wednesday night was found dead Friday morning, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told First Coast News.

Jeremiah Beck, 43 of Palatka, was found dead in the river, southeast of the Memorial Bridge in Palatka, at approximately 8:30 a.m. Friday, the FWC said in a statement.

FWC said Beck disappeared Wednesday after leaving the shore near the Memorial Bridge to go back to a boat he lives on.

“FWC extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Beck’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the agency’s statement reads. “An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is currently ongoing. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

FWC crews spent the whole day Thursday searching for Beck. Beck’s father, Russell Beck, spent the whole day by the water, too, looking for any clues.

Russell told First Coast News he planned to spend the day there initially, fishing with his son.

According to FWC, Beck was walking with some friends Wednesday when he decided to take his kayak back to his boat in the St. Johns River.

“At some point after he left his friends, he disappeared,” said FWC spokesperson Chad Weber. “They were trying to look for him, but then they called the sheriff’s office.”

FWC found the kayak itself and some of Beck’s belongings on the shore.

More than 12 hours into the search, FWC still viewed it as a search and rescue mission with drones, side-scan sonar and a dive team deployed.