By Wyndi Veigel
Staff Writer

At approximately 10:40 p.m., March 30 the Collin County Sheriff's Office received a call of two missing persons.  Kimberly Clayton, a white female who is under the age of 17, and her friend Michael A. Simmons, a white male, 18, had gone for a ride on Lake Lavon in the Clayton family's paddle boat and had not returned. 

Deputies responded to CR 1053.  Shortly after arriving at the location, Ms. Clayton was found near CR 490 on the west side of Lake Lavon.  Ms. Clayton advised that the paddle boat had capsized in Lake Lavon due to high winds and waves.

Ms. Clayton was able to hold onto the boat but was unable to determine what happened to Mr. Simmons.

At the time of the accident, the wind speed was approximately 18 mph. with 28 mph. gusts and the water temperature was between 59 and 64 F.  A search was begun with assistance from Wylie Fire Department and Branch Fire Department.  The search was suspended at approximately 4 a.m.

The search for Mr. Simmons was resumed at approximately 7 a.m., March 31, 2009.  The Collin County Sheriff's Office was assisted by boats from the Corps. Of Engineers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Branch Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department and Wylie Fire Department. 

The Department of Public Safety helicopter also provided assistance from the air.  A Collin County Sheriff's Office Command Post was established at Elm Creek Park to coordinate the search. 

The paddle boat has been recovered, as well as shoes believed to belong to Mr. Simmons. Today's search will be suspended at dark, but will resume at approximately 7:30 a.m. tomorrow.

More information regarding this story will be released as it becomes available.