Search Continues for Jesus “Chewy” Sanchez After Kayaking Incident on Lake Erie

Authorities are continuing an extensive search for Jesus Abraham “Chewy” Sanchez, a 30-year-old Monroe, Michigan, resident who disappeared while kayaking on Lake Erie during a powerful storm on the evening of July 3. The Brownstown Township Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as search efforts remain ongoing.

According to investigators, Sanchez was kayaking with two friends as they traveled from Celeron Island back to Downriver Marina when severe weather rapidly moved across the lake. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the storm generated winds reaching approximately 70 miles per hour and waves estimated between 10 and 20 feet, creating extremely dangerous conditions for those on the water.

As the storm intensified, the three kayakers became separated and their kayaks capsized. Two members of the group were rescued by passing jet skiers and brought safely to shore. Sanchez, however, has not been seen since that evening.

In the days following the incident, an extensive multi-agency search has been conducted across Lake Erie and surrounding shorelines. The effort has involved the Brownstown Township Police Department, Brownstown Professional Fire Fighters, Grosse Ile Police Department, Grosse Ile Fire Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, the United States Coast Guard, and the Downriver Mutual Aid Dive Search and Rescue Team.

Brownstown police have also deployed drones to assist in surveying areas that are difficult to access by boat or on foot. Despite these coordinated efforts and countless hours of searching, Sanchez has not yet been located.

Authorities are now turning to the public for additional assistance. Investigators believe changing weather conditions and lake currents may have carried Sanchez far from the original location of the incident. As a result, they say he could potentially be located anywhere along the Lake Erie shoreline, including areas in Michigan, Ohio, or even Canadian waters.

Police have released the following description to aid in identification:

Jesus Abraham “Chewy” Sanchez is 30 years old, stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighs about 190 pounds. He has brown eyes and black shoulder-length hair. He was last seen wearing blue and green swimming trunks while kayaking on Lake Erie near the Brownstown Township and Monroe County shoreline on July 3.

Investigators are urging anyone who was on Lake Erie that evening, witnessed the storm, observed kayakers in distress, or may have discovered any item that could be connected to Sanchez to come forward immediately. Even information that may appear insignificant could prove valuable as authorities continue piecing together the events surrounding his disappearance.

Anyone with information regarding Sanchez’s whereabouts or anything related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Brownstown Township Police Department at 734-675-1300. Individuals with urgent information are asked to call 911.

Officials also encourage the public to share Sanchez’s information widely in hopes that someone may recognize him or come across evidence that could assist search teams.

As the search continues, thoughts remain with Sanchez’s family, friends, and loved ones, who continue to hope for answers. Authorities remain committed to the investigation and ask residents throughout the Lake Erie region to remain alert and report anything that could aid in locating Jesus “Chewy” Sanchez.