May 30, 2025 – Holyoke, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi have confirmed that the missing kayaker, Niklas Delisle, 27, of Chicopee, has been located deceased following an extensive search effort on the Connecticut River that began on May 19.

Delisle went missing after the kayak he and his girlfriend were in capsized. She was rescued that night.

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Patrol Unit recovered Delisle on Friday, May 30. A coordinated search effort involving the Sheriff’s Office, the Western Mass. Regional Dive Team, the Massachusetts State Police, the Connecticut River Task Force, Westfield Fire Department, Holyoke Fire Department, Chicopee Police Department, Southwick Police Department, South Hadley Fire District 1, Agawam Fire Department, and Northampton Fire Department, began shortly after the report. Crews utilized numerous resources to comb the area. 

“This is a tragic loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Delisle family,” said Gulluni. “We appreciate the professionalism and compassion shown by everyone involved in the search and recovery efforts.”

Cocchi added, “I am thankful that we, along with all our law-enforcement and first responder partners, were able to bring closure to one of the families on the Connecticut River. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Niklas Delisle. But we will remain on the water searching for Daniel Callahan in an attempt to bring his family some peace.”

The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.