Found Deceased IL - Shane Shomidie, 30, Springfield, 21 April 2018

[Nosey Neighbor]

After five days of searching, rumors are circulating in the community about "what" could have happened to a missing kayaker; foul play has not been ruled out. Reportedly, he and 3 others were kayaking on Saturday (evening?). Shane supposedly exited his kayak and began to swim. The river is up and the current is strong. There has been a lot of effort and time put into the search both on land and in the water.

http://newschannel20.com/news/local/day-5-search-for-shane-shomidier: "Officials tell us they have not ruled anything out at this point in Shane’s disappearance, including foul play."


(I have never started a missing thread before, please forgive me, I'm trying to do it correctly. I had a false start.)

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://www.wandtv.com/story/3801417...d-for-a-missing-kayaker#.Wt4b5T8NKZg.facebook

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Della Thomas' world has been at a standstill since Saturday night.

"It's frustrating because we can't find him," she said. "It's frustrating but I know everybody is doing their best."

Her son, Shane Shomidie disappeared Saturday night while kayaking with friends along the Sangamon River. Springfield Park District Police say Shomidie was with a group of kayakers on Sangamon River when witnesses say he jumped out of the kayak and started swimming. The witnesses told police they never saw Shomidie again.

"We're trying to reconstruct the situation," said Springfield Park District police chief Limey Nargelenas. "This is a treacherous river. It's got undercurrents...and there's debris in the river."

Officers say alcohol may have been a factor in Shomidie's disappearance. Two other kayakers in his group had to be treated for hypothermia at the scene Saturday night.

A fleet of boats and kayaks commandeered by police, firefighters and volunteers continue to comb the river and its banks, hoping — praying — for a miracle.

"It's tearing the family up hearing all of the rumors," Thomas said. "We just want to know what happened to my son."

WAND News featured Shomidie's mixed martial arts skills and the rigors of his diet in a 2014 story. But Thomas remembers her son's softer side.

"No matter how upset you were, he would make you laugh," she said.

As yet another day ends without answers, that laughter was distinctly missing from the banks of the Sangamon River early Monday evening — leaving a mother to ponder the fate of her son just two days before his 30th birthday.

"My granddaughters need their daddy," Thomas said. "It's devastating because they're not going to understand."

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

The missing man has two Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006143688847

and

https://www.facebook.com/shane.shomidie

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180424/search-continues-for-missing-kayaker-in-sangamon-river

By Staff report (Springfield Journal Register)
Posted Apr 24, 2018 at 5:33 PM
Updated Apr 25, 2018 at 7:50 AM

The hunt for a missing kayaker continued Tuesday, but after four days of searching, volunteers still hadn’t found Shane Shomidie.

Shomidie, 30, a professional mixed martial arts fighter from Springfield, flipped his kayak Saturday afternoon. Searchers were on the river Saturday evening, and have returned each day to continue the search.

The search is being classified as a recovery operation instead of a rescue.

Terry Nydegger, assistant chief for the Sangamon County Rescue Squad, said the search will resume Wednesday morning. He added that on Tuesday, the searchers continued running sonar and searching the banks of the river.

In addition to sonar, searchers have used a search dog in the search for Shomidie. An Illinois State Police airplane has been used, and volunteers on horseback have searched the shoreline.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://www.wandtv.com/story/3803920...lay-in-search-and-recovery-of-missing-kayaker

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Wednesday is day five in the search for MMA fighter Shane Shomidie, Wednesday also marks his 30th birthday.

Springfield Park Police tell WAND News dive teams will be out in the Sangamon River searching. Police say on Wednesday morning sonar found some changes in the water so they are having a dive team investigate.

Park police tell us they are not ruling out foul play but they remain treating the investigation as a search and recovery. However, police say the Sangamon County Sheriff's office is handling the criminal side of the search. Police also say multiple calls have come in telling different stories from the night of the disappearance including that he may have just walked away from the river after jumping in.

Police say Shomidie was with three other kayakers. All four kayaks, including Shomidie's boat was found that night.

Two of the other kayakers were treated and released for hypothermia at a local hospital, police questioned them about the disappearance of Shomidie. They told police he jumped out of the kayak before passing the bridge on North Peoria Road, but said the rest of the group was knocked out of their kayaks and in the water for a while so it was hard to tell where he disappeared.

Police say they believe alcohol was involved.

They do not believe Shomidie is alive if he remained in the water after allegedly jumping on Saturday night.

Wednesday night at 6:00p.m. the Shomidie family is holding a prayer and balloon release in celebration of Shane's birthday. It will take place at the Riverside Boat launch.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

Here is a video of the scene and the missing man's mother ...

https://www.facebook.com/DeronMolenNews/videos/2060157647571111/

 

[tlcya]

This is close to home for me. Know family and friends of this young man. Pray for them. Lots of rumors and gossip locally have not helped the situation. Here is the balloon ceremony celebrating his 30th Birthday yesterday. Later that evening there was a prayer vigil. He has two beautiful kids.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180425/hundreds-gather-in-honor-of-missing-kayaker-shane-shomidie

interview with Shane's mom

https://www.facebook.com/WCIA3News/videos/10156298272278252/

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/new...ites-for-missing-kayakers-birthday/1142005281

 

[flute4peace]

This is close to home for me. Know family and friends of this young man. Pray for them. Lots of rumors and gossip locally have not helped the situation. Here is the balloon ceremony celebrating his 30th Birthday yesterday. Later that evening there was a prayer vigil. He has two beautiful kids.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180425/hundreds-gather-in-honor-of-missing-kayaker-shane-shomidie

interview with Shane's mom

https://www.facebook.com/WCIA3News/videos/10156298272278252/

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/new...ites-for-missing-kayakers-birthday/1142005281

Oh goodness. I've followed a case in which I had a distant connection and it really hit close to home. I can't imagine knowing the victim personally. I'll be praying for them!

Sent from my SCH-I435L using Tapatalk

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

This is close to home for me. Know family and friends of this young man. Pray for them. Lots of rumors and gossip locally have not helped the situation. Here is the balloon ceremony celebrating his 30th Birthday yesterday. Later that evening there was a prayer vigil. He has two beautiful kids.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180425/hundreds-gather-in-honor-of-missing-kayaker-shane-shomidie

interview with Shane's mom

https://www.facebook.com/WCIA3News/videos/10156298272278252/

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/new...ites-for-missing-kayakers-birthday/1142005281

This is local for me, too, and although I never knew this young man, turns out he is a friend of my son through MMA, and multiple coworkers are connected to him in some way.

 

[Steelslady]

This is close to home for me. Know family and friends of this young man. Pray for them. Lots of rumors and gossip locally have not helped the situation. Here is the balloon ceremony celebrating his 30th Birthday yesterday. Later that evening there was a prayer vigil. He has two beautiful kids.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180425/hundreds-gather-in-honor-of-missing-kayaker-shane-shomidie

interview with Shane's mom

https://www.facebook.com/WCIA3News/videos/10156298272278252/

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/new...ites-for-missing-kayakers-birthday/1142005281

This is local for me, too, and although I never knew this young man, turns out he is a friend of my son through MMA, and multiple coworkers are connected to him in some way.

I am so very sorry for you both and your son who is friends with him, Noisy Neighbor. I hope he found soon!

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

Day 6 of the search.

http://newschannel20.com/news/local/missing-kayaker-search-concludes-day-six


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — It is day 6 of the search for missing kayaker Shane Shomidie and the search team narrowed the investigation to specific areas of interest.

With the use of sonar equipment, officials were able to find spots where they believed could be a good place to search.

Earlier in the day, a team of divers went out, but did not find anything.

According to officials, there was zero visibility and they were relying solely on touch when searching the Sangamon River.

Officials are asking for people to stay out of the Sangamon River near Riverside Park, as other boats could interfere with the sonar equipment.

The search will continue Friday, April 27.

 

[tlcya]

Thumbs Up: To all those who have helped search for missing boater Shane Shomidie.


Shomidie, whose 30th birthday was Wednesday, has been missing since Saturday when his kayak flipped near Riverside Park. Rescuers from numerous agencies, including Illinois State Police, the Sangamon County Rescue Squad and local police, have been on the river every day since he went missing.


Shane Shomidie’s father, Micky Shomidie, said the outpouring of support has been unbelievable. He said the family is grateful for the volunteers — many of whom don’t even know his son — who have helped search for Shane. If there’s any grace to be found in the unfathomable tragedy of having a missing loved one, it is in the support this community has shown the Shomidie family.

http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180426/thumbs-down-to-same-old-same-old-in-illinois-politics

"We welcome everybody that's come out here but please do not get in the water after the park is closed after the recovery people have done their job for the day there homing in on specific area,” Mickey said.

http://newschannel20.com/news/local/day-6-of-search-for-missing-kayaker-04-27-2018

 

[tlcya]

Ana Espinosa is a local reporter for WICS newschannel 20 and the local Fox Illinois affiliate. She has been covering the story and occassionally posting live video updates. she posted several updates about and hour ago. No new news, just coverage of the search. A second crew with sonar equipment has recently been brought in to assist.

https://www.facebook.com/AnaEspinosaTV/videos/238143140258690/

https://www.facebook.com/AnaEspinosaTV/videos/238136323592705/

https://www.facebook.com/AnaEspinosaTV/posts/238132260259778

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://foxillinois.com/news/local/volunteers-crews-continue-to-search-but-need-donations
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WRSP) — Some of the crew out searching for Shane Shomidie in the river are made up of volunteers.

Shane was last seen kayaking the Sangamon River on Saturday evening.

“We are so grateful for everything that they’ve done they worked so hard,” Shane’s mom, Della Thomas said.

The Sangamon County Rescue Squad began searching the river Saturday night.

“They donate their time out here,” said Marc Victor, chief of the Sangamon County Rescue Squad.

The squad receives money from the Sangamon County for things like fuel and liability insurance but they do not get paid to search.

“I just want to help people, “said Ronald Oller, Lieutenant for the Sangamon County Rescue Squad.

They all have different jobs but donate their time to help with the search.

The lieutenant for the squad works at the U.S. Postal Service but takes time off to assist the rescue squad.

“I take vacation time from work to come out here and assist with the operation,” Oller said.

A majority of their gear is handed down from other organizations or purchased with donations.

The equipment they are using in the search for Shane was purchased with donations from a previous search from several years ago.

“We had some dear friends that lost their son and they had a benefit for us and the donations from that we were able to purchase a boat and a sonar device,” Oller said.

Many people have also come out to Riverside park to donate food for the volunteers and the family.

“We are all just very grateful for all the time and effort all the volunteers have given they’re taking time away from their families and their jobs,” Thomas said.

The rescue squad said they need donations.

If you want to donate to the Sangamon County Rescue Squad, you can address donation to:

Sangamon County Rescue Squad,

Care of: Office of Emergency Management (OEM),

Attention: Bill Lee

Address: 2000 Shale St., Springfield, Illinois 62703

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://foxillinois.com/news/local/search-enters-day-7-for-missing-kayaker


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Friday was day seven of the search for missing kayaker 30-year-old Shane Shomidie.

Right now, crews continue to search for him and any information leading to his disappearance.

They have found several spots of interest, but haven't found anything.

The water levels have dropped in the river since Saturday and officials say that can make it difficult for the boat to reach certain areas.

The family and officials ask that if you do have land on the Sangamon River it could help to search your property for any evidence.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

The comment section on the article is just a small example of the frustration and rumors that still circulate.

http://newschannel20.com/news/local/one-week-still-no-shane


Missing kayaker search continues one week later

by Nikki McGeeSaturday, April 28th 2018

For an entire week, the Sangamon County Rescue Squad and family members have been searching for Shane Shomidie at the Riverside Park.

shane 4.JPGshane 3.JPGshane 5.JPG
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
5 photos
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICD) — Even though the Sangamon River is more than 250 miles long, crews are really focusing on about a three mile stretch. If Shane Shomidie did drown, rescue squad members say the body would most likely be within 50 feet of where it went under.

For an entire week now, the Sangamon County Rescue Squad and family members have been at the Riverside Park from sun up to sun down, searching for Shomidie.

Right now rescue crews say they're continuing to search the water with sonar boats.

"On Sunday we had search dogs go out and search the banks on both sides of the river to just make sure that he hadn't made it out of the river,” said Chris Victor, Chief of the Sangamon County Rescue Squad.

Family members are asking the public to stay off the water.

"Right now everybody just needs to just stay off of the river,” sister Nicole Shomidie said. “We appreciate all of the volunteers but they really do need to let the professionals do their job so it's not interfering with the sonar and causing friction under the water."

Rescue crews say water levels have dropped over the last several days, further complicating the search.

"With the water levels continuing to drop, it's making it harder for our boats to get in some of the areas,” Victor said. “We're starting to see a lot more branches and log jams being exposed."

Yet, family members fear what would happen if we did see rain.

"That could be a blessing or a curse because you think if it raises a little, maybe it will break things loose again,” Nicole Shomidie said. “I'm not really familiar with rivers, I just know that I want my brother out of it."

The National Missing Persons Awareness Network is conducting its own search Sunday morning and is looking for volunteers. If you're 19 or older and would like to help in the search, you can show up to Riverside Park starting at 7 a.m.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

http://www.wandtv.com/story/38076592/search-for-missing-kayaker-expanding
Search for missing kayaker expanding

Posted: Apr 30, 2018 2:39 PM CDT

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - On Monday morning crews entered into the 10th day of searching for MMA fighter Shane Shomidie.

Springfield Park Police tell WAND News they are expanding their search to try and find Shomidie.

Sonar searches have not been successful due the river conditions.

Shomidie has been missing since April 21 when witness say he jumped out of his kayak on the Sangamon River.

Park police say they are not ruling out foul play but they continue to treat the investigation as a search and recovery. However, police say the Sangamon County Sheriff's office is handling the criminal side of the search. Police also say multiple calls have come in telling different stories from the night of the disappearance including that he may have just walked away from the river after jumping in.

Police say Shomidie was with three other kayakers. All four kayaks, including Shomidie's boat was found that night.

Two of the other kayakers were treated and released for hypothermia at a local hospital, police questioned them about the disappearance of Shomidie. They told police he jumped out of the kayak before passing the bridge on North Peoria Road, but said the rest of the group was knocked out of their kayaks and in the water for a while so it was hard to tell where he disappeared.

On Wednesday, loved ones gathered at the Riverside boat launch to pray and hold a balloon release in celebrations of Shomidie's 30th birthday.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMcGeeFoxIL/videos/1907437739275474/

Interview with a search and rescue team on the scene that "gets involved in search and rescue for cold cases, or ones in which foul play are involved."

FindShaneShomodie@gmail.com is cited as a link for tips.

 

[Nosey Neighbor]

Damn it. Even thought it seemed inevitable, there was still some hope that he "walked away." Hope the answers will be found as to what exactly happened to him. There have been so many rumors, and the fellow kayakers were not thought, by many, to be very truthful or forthcoming during this period.

http://newschannel20.com/news/local/riverside-park-shut-down


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Update 10:30 a.m.


The Sangamon County Chief Deputy Coroner confirms to Newschannel 20 they have recovered a body under the I-55 bridge over the Sangamon River. At this time, we do not know the identity of the body.


Original:

Riverside Park in Springfield has been shut down.

Newschannel 20 has learned the Sangamon County Rescue Squad called the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department Tuesday morning to ask them to close down the entire park.

This shut down comes as the search continues for missing kayaker, Shane Shomidie.

 

[Darling136]

Springfield Park District Police chief Laimutis “Limey” Nargelenas said a body that resembles missing kayaker Shane Shomidie was found in the Sangamon River this morning.

Nargelenas said the Shomidie family has been notified of the discovery. The Sangamon County coroner’s office said the body was recovered around 9:50 a.m.


The body has been taken to a Springfield hospital for autopsy and a positive identification.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180501/body-believed-to-be-missing-kayaker-recovered-from-sangamon-river