6-Year-Old Survives Kayaking Accident That Claimed Father's Life

A bystander rescued the boy, but search teams found the father's body about an hour later.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a partially submerged kayak paddle, the surface textured and reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a somber, investigative mood around a tragic water accident.A tragic kayaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the life-saving importance of wearing a life jacket on the water.Mineral Today

A 6-year-old boy survived a kayaking accident in Virginia that took the life of his 35-year-old father, Andrew Glen Knight. The two were not wearing life jackets when their kayak overturned, but a bystander was able to rescue the child. Search teams later recovered Knight's body about an hour after the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water, especially when kayaking with children. It also serves as a reminder of the risks involved in water-based activities and the need for proper safety precautions.

The details

According to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the Lakeview Drive common area around 8:05 p.m. on April 7 after receiving a report of a possible drowning involving an overturned kayak. A bystander had spotted the man and child in the water and safely assisted the 6-year-old boy into their boat, but the adult male, later identified as Andrew Glen Knight, went underwater while attempting to push the kayak to shore. Witnesses tried to locate Knight but eventually lost sight of him. The Spotsylvania County Dive Team found Knight's body about an hour later, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Deputies were called to the scene around 8:05 p.m. that evening.
  • Search teams found Knight's body approximately one hour after the initial report.

The players

Andrew Glen Knight

A 35-year-old man who drowned after his kayak overturned while he was with his 6-year-old son.

6-year-old boy

The son of Andrew Glen Knight who survived the kayaking accident.

Louisa County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and led the investigation.

Spotsylvania County Dive Team

The search and rescue team that recovered Andrew Glen Knight's body from the water.

Bystander

An individual who spotted the man and child in the water and was able to rescue the 6-year-old boy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knight family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are grateful to the citizens and first responders who acted quickly in an effort to assist. We ask that the community keep the family in their thoughts during this very difficult time. This incident also serves as an important reminder of the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water.”

— Donald Lowe, Louisa County Sheriff

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for water safety, particularly when engaging in activities like kayaking with children. It serves as a sobering reminder that life jackets can mean the difference between life and death, and that even experienced outdoor enthusiasts must prioritize proper precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.