Body of Father, 40, Recovered from Lake After He Disappeared While Kayaking

"He was raised on the water, he's been around water all of his life," a friend said of the victim.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:12pm

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The body of a 40-year-old man, Joshua Craig Scribben, was pulled from Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina on March 11 after he disappeared while kayaking. Authorities said Scribben was kayaking when he went under the water and did not resurface alive.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of water safety and the need for proper precautions, such as wearing life jackets, when engaging in water-based activities. It also serves as a reminder of the risks involved in outdoor recreation and the impact on families and communities when accidents occur.

The details

Scribben's empty kayak was found on Lake Norman near Henderson Road around 3 p.m. local time. His body was located shortly after. Neighbor and friend Mark Starnes described Scribben as "a really good guy" with a "big heart" who was an experienced outdoorsman and spent much of his time on the lake where he died.

  • On March 11, 2026, authorities received a call about an empty kayak found on Lake Norman around 3 p.m. local time.
  • Scribben's body was located and recovered from the lake shortly after the initial call.

The players

Joshua Craig Scribben

A 40-year-old man who died while kayaking on Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina.

Mark Starnes

A neighbor and friend of Scribben who described him as "a really good guy" with a "big heart" who was an experienced outdoorsman.

Cornelius Police Department (CPD)

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and provided information about the case.

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What they’re saying

“He was raised on the water, he's been around water all of his life.”

— Mark Starnes, Neighbor and friend

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved.”

— Cornelius Police Department

What’s next

The Cornelius Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and will likely release more details as the investigation progresses.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the importance of water safety and the need for all outdoor enthusiasts to take proper precautions, such as wearing life jackets, when engaging in water-based activities. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in recreational pursuits and the impact on families and communities when accidents occur.