Body of missing kayaker found

Alexander “Possum” Gillespie, 50, of Fayetteville, had been missing since Sunday after capsizing on the river, where he was kayaking with two other people. They both made it safely to shore.

The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) dive team recovered Gillespie's body less than 100 meters from where he was last seen, authorities said. Fast water caused by recent heavy rains and steep terrain in the area made the search difficult, they said.

Fort Bragg Emergency Services personnel coordinated the rescue effort, which included soldiers and equipment from units across post, as well as Fayetteville, Cumberland County and state law enforcement and rescue teams.

Gillespie was a civilian employee at Fort Bragg.