Missing Camp Wawona Employee Kevin Canavan Found Deceased

Kevin Canavan, a student at Pacific Union College and an employee at Camp Wawona has been found deceased according to a release from the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Canavan went missing on July 5, last seen in a nearby river with several others during a day-off outing. 

In a statement issued this evening, the Central California Conference announced the tragic discovery:

The Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has been made aware that Kevin Canavan, a summer camp employee at Camp Wawona who has been missing since yesterday was found deceased.

Recovery efforts by the National Park Service will begin tomorrow, July 7. The Central California Conference continues to work closely with the National Park Service throughout the process.

Central California Conference leaders would like to express their deepest sorrow and sincere condolences to the Canavan family and to those who knew Kevin well. Ministry leaders and members throughout Central California and beyond will continue to pray for everyone affected by Kevin's passing.

Once again, further updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Canavan, who hailed from Watsonville, California, was a residence assistant at Pacific Union College and a graduate of Monterey Bay Academy. 

Messages of grief, of remembrance, and of love and support flooded Facebook on Wednesday night. 

"Your presence was always a blessing to me and those around you, and I will forever cherish those good times," wrote Devin Donovan. "I will truly miss you, and my prayers go up for your family and friends, as well as everyone you've ever impacted in your life."

"Kevin you will always be in our hearts, this is not a goodbye, but a see you soon," said Sandra Mendoza.

Jared Wright is Managing Editor of SpectrumMagazine.org.

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