Former University of South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley was reported missing after leaving to go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida put out a press release asking for help in locating the 37-year-old former SEC player, who was last seen at around 8:30 a.m. when he went fishing in a kayak off Grayton Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with several local agencies and the Florida Fish and Wildlife agency, were called in to join the search. Nearly 12 hours after he was last seen, authorities confirmed that Smelley had been located safely by an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter roughly two miles off the coast of Grayton Beach. He was then transferred to a friend’s vessel that had been searching for him in the area.
Smelley played three seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2006-2008, where he was 9-6 as the team’s starting quarterback. In his final season, he completed 169 passes for 1,922 yards and 14 touchdowns across 12 games. After his time at South Carolina, Smelley transferred to Alabama in 2009 to play for the Crimson Tide’s baseball team. He now serves as the head football coach at Sylacauga High School in Alabama. The Coast Guard shared footage of the moment rescuers located his kayak, showing the successful search and rescue effort.
The U.S. Coast Guard, along with other local agencies, responded quickly to search for Smelley after he was reported missing. The successful rescue is a testament to the effectiveness of these agencies working together to locate a missing individual. Smelley’s background as a former SEC quarterback and current high school football coach adds a personal element to the story, with many in the sports community following the news of his disappearance and subsequent rescue. The search and rescue effort emphasized the importance of safety precautions while engaging in recreational activities such as fishing in bodies of water.
Smelley’s experience as a former athlete and coach likely played a role in his ability to remain calm and composed during the situation. The support from local agencies and the Coast Guard further contributed to the successful outcome of locating him safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with water activities and the importance of taking necessary precautions. As a public figure in the sports community, Smelley’s disappearance and rescue garnered attention from fans and colleagues, highlighting the collective relief upon his safe return.
The news of Smelley’s disappearance and subsequent rescue provides a reminder of the importance of safety protocols when engaging in activities such as fishing in open waters. The collaborative effort between the U.S. Coast Guard, local agencies, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife agency showcases the effectiveness of coordinated search and rescue operations. Smelley’s background as a former SEC quarterback and current high school football coach adds a personal element to the story, resonating with those in the sports community who followed the news of his disappearance. The successful outcome of his rescue highlights the dedication and expertise of those involved in locating individuals in distress.
