Missing kayaker found dead days after empty kayak found floating, Texas officials say

Days after kayakers spotted an empty kayak floating on a Texas lake, a 44-year-old woman has been found dead, according to state authorities.

Jennifer Luten, of Montgomery, had rented the kayak from Huntsville State Park’s self-serve station at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, according to a news release from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Kayakers found her free-floating kayak on Lake Raven the next morning, authorities said. Meanwhile, Luten’s vehicle was still parked at the lake’s boat ramp.

Their discovery prompted a days-long search for Luten, according to the release. The state park police search included help from first responders with the Huntsville Fire Department, Huntsville Police Department, New Waverly Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Game Wardens.

Divers, sonar boats and police dogs were included in the search, authorities said.

Three days after the search began, on Saturday, Oct. 28, searchers pulled Luten’s body from the lake, according to the release.

It appears her death was “drowning-related,” but an investigation is ongoing.

Huntsville State Park is about 65 miles north of Houston and 35 miles northeast of Montgomery.

This story was originally published November 1, 2023 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Missing kayaker found dead days after empty kayak found floating, Texas officials say."