Sean Chilson, a 34-year-old Thurmont resident, was remembered by family as a former Marine and skilled outdoorsman.
THURMONT, Md. — After a week of searching, rescue crews recovered the body of a missing kayaker from the Monocacy River on Tuesday evening.
Maryland Natural Resources Police confirmed that Sean M. Chilson’s body was located around 6 p.m. near the Biggs Ford Bridge. He had been missing since May 14. The search effort included daily operations supported by Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services.
Chilson vanished while kayaking on the Monocacy River during a period of rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall and regional flooding. He was last seen between Creagerstown and DeVilbiss Bridge. In the days following his disappearance, onlookers posted footage showing a paddle and other equipment drifting downstream.
According to his brother Seth, who shared news of the discovery on Facebook, Chilson served in the Marine Corps in Okinawa and later worked as a sales manager at Century Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep in Frederick County. The post prompted a flood of support from the local community.
“He loved being outdoors with his friends,” said Seth. “He had a smile that could light up a room and was cherished by so many.”
Other relatives also shared on social media that Chilson was an experienced kayaker.
A memorial service honoring Sean Chilson will be held Sunday at the American Legion in Thurmont, according to his family.
