Body of Maine Paddleboarder Located by Family Member on Graham Lake

The body of a man who went missing while on a paddleboard over a week ago has finally been located in Graham Lake.

Maine 20-Year-Old Paddleboarder Went Missing in Graham Lake

Grayson Mote, 20, of Ellsworth, went missing while out on his paddleboard in Graham Lake on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Searches by multiple agencies were conducted in the days after his disappearance, using boats, sonar, divers, submersible drones, aircraft, and ground searchers but, while his board and paddle were located, they weren't able to find him.

Family Member Locates Body of Missing Paddleboarder in Graham Lake

On Friday, May 15, 2026, a member of his family who was searching by boat located him deceased at approximately 6:30 pm.

His body was found approximately 2/10 of a mile from the shore of Graham Lake.

READ MORE: What is a Maine Beach Hazard Alert and Why are They Issued? 

A Maine Marine Patrol officer brought him to shore, and then he was transported to the Office of the Maine State Medical Examiner.

Maine Wardens Advise Always Wearing a Lifejacket, Especially in the Spring

Officials say Mote did not have a personal floatation device with him on the day he disappeared.

Maine Warden Lieutenant Jason Luce says the average water temperature this time of year is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, so anyone going on the water, in a boat or paddlecraft, is advised to wear their lifejacket.

The cold shock of going into the frigid water can cause immobility of a person's arms and legs in as little as five minutes.

Our condolences to Grayson's family and friends.