Bren Orton Obituary – Bren Orton, aged 29, went missing on May 16 and, following an intense two-week search, a body was found in Lake Maggiore, which borders Switzerland and Italy.
Authorities have identified the body as Bren’s as they look into the circumstances surrounding his passing. Many have paid tribute to Bren, who had amassed a large following on Instagram. He utilized social media to showcase his kayaking abilities and journeys around the globe.
A spokesperson for the Swiss police stated on Thursday: “In Locarno, just before 1pm, the deceased body of the individual who disappeared on May 16 while kayaking in the Melezza River was discovered in Lake Maggiore. A sailor who came across the body in the water sounded the alarm and promptly contacted emergency services.”
At the time of his disappearance, it was reported that Bren got caught in a recirculating feature while kayaking with a group on the Melezza River in Switzerland and did not resurface. Search efforts by authorities and friends are ongoing.
Bren had successfully navigated through some of the most remote and challenging locations worldwide, setting the British record for the longest kayak drop (128 feet) at Mexico’s Big Banana Falls.
Former kayaker James Reeves honored Bren, expressing on Facebook: “Every few years, we seem to lose a friend to our sport. Each loss is difficult, and this one is particularly painful.
“Bren Orton was an extraordinary individual. His warm smile and friendly demeanor were evident from his teenage years, shining as brightly as his kayaking skills … I had the privilege of briefly mentoring Bren in his early days, and then witnessed his remarkable rise to become one of the best whitewater kayakers ever.”
With over 60,000 followers on Instagram, Bren was hailed as “an inspiration” by a supporter on social media. They remarked: “A true gentleman, an inspiration, and world-class. On to the next Adventure Bren Orton. Thank you and farewell.” Another admirer commended the athlete’s humility.
