The disappearance of two teenage brothers, Wesley and Andruw Cornett, has cast a somber pall over Butte County, California. The brothers, aged 17 and 19 respectively, ventured out for a duck hunting trip at the Thermalito Afterbay on December 14, 2024, a day marked by inclement weather, including heavy rain and strong winds that disrupted power for thousands of residents. Their outing turned tragic when Wesley’s kayak capsized, prompting his older brother, Andruw, to bravely attempt a rescue, swimming into the frigid waters. Neither brother has been seen since.
The initial emergency response swiftly transitioned into a large-scale search operation, involving approximately 250 personnel from 21 different organizations. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), alongside its specialized Aviation and Marine Unit and Search and Rescue team, launched an extensive search covering thousands of acres of the Afterbay, utilizing boats, ground crews, and rafts. The search efforts have been significantly hampered by the dense weed growth that blankets the bottom of the reservoir, making navigation and visibility extremely challenging for divers and underwater search equipment. Despite the relentless efforts and the deployment of advanced technology, the search has yielded no sign of the missing brothers.
The challenging conditions of the Thermalito Afterbay have presented significant obstacles to the search and rescue teams. The vast expanse of the reservoir, covering 4,300 surface acres and boasting 17 miles of shoreline, complicates the search area. Moreover, the dense aquatic vegetation, described by divers as the most difficult hurdle, creates a treacherous underwater environment, hindering visibility and impeding the movement of search equipment. The combination of these factors, coupled with the stormy weather conditions prevalent on the day of the incident, has made the search incredibly arduous.
As days turned into a week, the hope of finding the brothers alive dwindled. The mother of the missing teens, April Clark, launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help April Clark Find and Honor Her Sons,” initially to support the ongoing search efforts but now, tragically, to assist with funeral arrangements. In her heartbreaking plea on the GoFundMe page, Clark recounted the events leading to the brothers’ disappearance, describing how Wesley’s kayak overturned and Andruw, without hesitation, plunged into the water to save his brother. She lauded Andruw’s selfless act, calling him a hero. Clark also confirmed the devastating news that the Sheriff’s Office has now classified the search as a recovery mission, a stark acknowledgement of the diminishing hopes of finding the brothers alive.
The tragic incident has deeply impacted the family, leaving Clark and her four daughters grappling with the immense loss. The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide financial relief during this incredibly difficult time, assisting with the ongoing search efforts and, ultimately, with the costs associated with laying the brothers to rest. Clark’s words on the GoFundMe page reflect the profound grief and disbelief she is experiencing, as she struggles to comprehend the sudden and devastating loss of her two sons. She appeals for financial support from the community, expressing her gratitude for any contribution that will help her family navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
The disappearance of Wesley and Andruw Cornett serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with outdoor activities, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The vastness of the Thermalito Afterbay, coupled with the dense aquatic vegetation and the stormy weather, created a perilous environment that ultimately led to this tragic outcome. As the community continues to mourn the loss of these two young lives, the focus shifts towards supporting the grieving family and remembering the courageous act of Andruw, who selflessly risked his own life in an attempt to save his brother.
