POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and fire rescue found the body of a missing 18-year-old kayaker in Lake McLeod on Monday morning.

The sheriff's office said the victim, identified as Aaron Tillman, was found shortly after 5 a.m. Monday in 13-feet deep water. 

Authorities said Tillman was a student at Ambassadors Christian Academy of Winter Haven, and a member of the football and wrestling teams.

According to the sheriff's office, the victim and a 19-year-old woman were out Sunday afternoon kayaking on the lake.

Family members told authorities that Tillman could not swim, and had never been on a kayak before.

The woman he was with said she had jumped in the water to swim, but when she resurfaced, she saw Tillman struggling to stay above the surface of the water. However, she told detectives that she did not know if he fell or got into the lake intentionally.

Authorities said a nearby witness saw what happened and got into the water to help the woman rescue Tillman, but despite both of their efforts, Tillman disappeared under the water.

Crews continued searching throughout the night before finding the young man deceased. 

"Please continue to keep his family and friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time," Sheriff Grady Judd said.