MSHP Helicopter And Marine Operation Troopers Rescue Missing Fisherman

At approximately 8 p.m. on February 24, 2017, Donna Stearns, from Harrisonville, MO, contacted Troop A, Lee’s Summit and requested Troop A officers assist her in locating her missing 49-year-old husband, Kenneth Stearns. 

Mrs. Stearns stated she and her husband were camping in the area and Mr. Stearns was reportedly fishing by boat on Truman Lake near Sparrowfoot Campground since approximately 1 p.m., and had not returned. Troop A officers and Patrol helicopter 93MP responded to assist in the search. 

At approximately 4 a.m., on February 25, 2017, the Patrol helicopter located Mr. Stearns on the lake near a partially submerged sand bar between the Sparrowfoot and Deepwater access, in a remote area of the lake. The Patrol pilot directed officers by boat to Stearns location where they extracted him and transported him to the Sparrowfoot boat ramp where emergency personnel were waiting. Mr. Stearns was transported to Golden Valley Hospital before being transferred to Kansas University Medical Center. 

Mr. Steans suffered serious health effects from being exposed to the elements. Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: 

Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!