HARRISON COUNTY, Iowa. (KMTV) — Saturday morning, divers recovered the body of 33-year-old Cody Bengford of Bellevue, a kayaker and hunter who had been missing since Friday evening.
According to Iowa DNR, investigators believe Bengford left the boat ramp at the Nobles Lake Wildlife Management Area on Friday afternoon, planning to head out for a bow hunt at Desoto National Wildlife Refuge.
Bengford was reported missing that evening after not returning.
Two conservation officers with the DNR responded and began search and rescue efforts. Bengford's overturned kayak was found a short time later; however, Bengford was still missing.
Search and rescue efforts were suspended at 1:46 a.m. Saturday and resumed around 7:00 a.m.
At approximately 9:13 a.m. Saturday, divers with the Midwest Regional Dive Team recovered Bengford's body. The body has since been transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy in Ankeny.
DNR Conservation Officers were assisted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Harrison and Shelby County sheriff's offices, Harrison and Shelby County Emergency Management, Missouri Valley Fire and Rescue, Modale Fire Department, Midwest Regional Dive Team, and the Iowa State Patrol.
