As daylight fades, officials have again called off the search for a Norwich teen who disappeared into the water while kayaking on the Shetucket River nearly 48 hours ago.
Karl Joseph, 17, a junior at Norwich Free Academy, has been missing since Sunday night, when a witness saw him fall from his overturned kayak about 30 feet from shore and called police. Bystanders tried to rescue Joseph but couldn't find him.
Loved ones are trying to stay optimistic as time wears on.
"I desperately hope he's all right," said Joseph's close friend John Ahrens. "I don't even know how to explain it. I just feel empty."
Norwich Free Academy released a statement Tuesday morning saying "the entire NFA community holds him, his friends and family in their thoughts and prayers" and that support services are available to students and staff members.
"A lot of people have been crying, leaving their classrooms, just really emotional," explained sophomore student Grace Delucia. "Several people haven't come to school because they're so upset."
Joseph's empty kayak turned up 100 yards north of the Greenville Dam, but there's still no sign of the missing teen.
Local
"I've just not wanted to believe it for such a long time now," said Ahrens. "Been getting a lack of sleep and stuff."
Ahrens described his friend as one of the nicest people he knows. He said the incident is uncharacteristic because Joseph is typically very careful.
Police said Joseph weighs about 200 pounds and stands 5 feet 11 inches tall. He has black hair and brown eyes.
State police are assisting Norwich officers with the search, along with the Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Public Utilities and dive teams from Norwich, Yantic and Taftville.
Anyone with information on Joseph's whereabouts is asked to call Norwich police at 860-886-5561.
