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Talk about terrifying.
Sylacauga High School (Ala.) coach — and former NFL player — Chris Smelley went fishing a kayak in Florida.
He did not return, sparking fear.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Smelley and his beautiful family along with all search and rescue personnel as they look for him during this time,” said Dr. Michele Eller, Superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools.
Smelley and his wife have four children and were on spring break vacation.
This story has a happy ending, though, as Smelley was located on his kayak.
WOW!! Incredible video from US Coast Guard of Sylacauga head football coach Chris Smelley being rescued yesterday 2 miles off the Gulf Coast in Florida… amazing technology and talented people no doubt!! Hats off to @USCG! ❤️🙏🏽👏🏽 @WKRG pic.twitter.com/0KHxWfjOTp
— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) March 29, 2024
Smelley was spotted at 7:12 p.m. local time, nearly 11 hours after he disappeared, a little less than 12 miles off of Grayton Beach.
The Sylacauga coach was not showing any signs of distress when he was rescued and he was not transferred to EMS, the Coast Guard said. The agency was also not worried about Smelley having any medical conditions related to his ordeal.
Smelley spoke about his experience.
Former @GamecockFB QB Chris Smelley explains what happened in yesterday’s kayak fishing adventure in the ocean.
“Missing” and “ocean” usually don’t go well together he said.
Glad he’s ok! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/FhSkXLExUJ
— GamecockRetweeter (@bradsales312) March 29, 2024