Body of Meade Co. man recovered from Salt River

The body of a Meade County man who either fell or jumped out of a boat at the confluence of Salt River and Ohio River at West Point has been found.

The body of 46-year-old Derik Walker was found late Thursday night in Salt River.

Walker was fishing with his father and a family friend Wednesday sometime before 3:00 a.m. when Walker’s father, while checking on the boat’s lights, heard a splash.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife officials told WAVE.com that witnesses said Walker began “swimming backwards towards the southern bank on the Salt River when he went under and didn’t resurface.”

Walker’s father jumped into the water and tried to save his son but was unable to locate him.

Prior to the body being found, Walker’s family told WAVE.com that he struggled with seizures and had a history of schizophrenia. It’s also possible, according to the family, that Walker and his father were in an argument just before he entered the water.

Participating in the search efforts were personnel from Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Louisville Metro Police Department among other agencies.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com