The search for two brothers — Andruw Cornett (19, right) and Wesley Cornett (17, left) — who went missing on December 14, 2024, while duck hunting at the Thermalito Afterbay in California has come to a close.
According to a family member, the body of Wesley Cornett (17, left) was found Sunday morning, January 5, 2025, at the Thermalito Afterbay. Previously, the body of Andruw Cornett (19, right) was recovered from the afterbay on December 31, 2024.
Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a body was found and said a DNA test would be performed to confirm the identity.
The brothers’ disappearance sparked an extensive search and recovery operation, involving multiple agencies and resources. Despite challenging conditions, including high winds, whitecaps, and dense vegetation, search teams employed various technologies, including sonar, drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and helicopter searches, while numerous divers also combed the waters to locate the missing brothers.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office led the search efforts, with support from numerous mutual aid resources. The recovery of the brothers’ bodies brings closure to the family and community.
The efforts of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, search and rescue teams, volunteers, and community members who provided support, food, and resources during the search are greatly appreciated. The dedication and compassion of each person who worked tirelessly to find the Wes and Dru is greatly appreciated.
Our hearts go out to the Cornett family, who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship. May they find comfort and support in the days ahead.
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Andruw Cornett (19/right) identified as body recovered from Thermalito Afterbay
Andruw Cornett (19/right) identified as body recovered from Thermalito Afterbay
BCFAC News 12/31/202Thermalito, CA- On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, a Butte County Sheriff’s Office pilot was flying in the area of the Thermalito Afterbay, as part of the continuous search for Andruw Cornett, age 19, and Wesley Cornett, age 17.
The teenage brothers have been missing since Saturday, December 14, 2024 after duck hunting at the Afterbay.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., the BCSO pilot spotted a body in the north side of the Afterbay, within the original search area.
The BCSO Marine Unit and Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue immediately responded and recovered the body.
The decedent has been positively identified as Andruw Cornett, and next-of-kin has been notified.
During the recovery, the BCSO pilot was forced to land, due to a drone flying extremely close to the BCSO helicopter.
The search will continue by air, but the use of drones in the search area prevents our pilots from flying.
Anyone with any additional information or questions is urged to contact the BCSO Investigations Unit at (530) 538-7671.
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BCFAC NEWS 12/23/2024 Butte County, CA – The search and recovery efforts for 19-year-old “Dru” Andruw Cornett and 17-year-old “Wes” Wesley Cornett have entered the tenth day at the Thermalito Afterbay.
In a press release today, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said they have exhausted efforts with divers and sonar technology and will shift the focus to a continuous limited search. This involves surface search methods, which includes aircraft, drones, boats, on-shore vehicles, and K9s.
On Saturday morning, December 14, 2024, brothers Wes and Dru disappeared while duck hunting on the Thermalito Afterbay. The day’s hunt was marked by challenging conditions, with high winds and whitecaps on the water.
Wes kayaked out to retrieve a downed duck when the kayak overturned. Dru, who was on shore, attempted to swim to his brother’s aid after calling 911. Neither brother has been seen since.
