Authorities believe remains of missing kayaker found along NC island

Authorities believe the remains of a missing kayaker were discovered at the North Carolina coast over the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Huggins Islands near Hammocks Beach State Park after learning that human remains that were found by teenagers exploring the island.

A medical examiner has yet to identify who the remains belong to, however the preliminary investigation points to the remains being that of missing kayaker Warren Liner. Liner, 73, went missing on December 31, 2021, after going on a solo kayaking trip in Bogue Inlet near Emerald Isle.

Liner’s kayak and life jacket were recovered during the search on Bear Island. His body was never found.

The Coast Guard, NC Division of Marine Fisheries, NC Wildlife Resources and NC Park Service all assisted in the search. The NC Park Service has planned a grid search for more evidence on Monday.

The investigation is ongoing.