‘He was fearless’: Family and friends remember kayaker found in White River – Indianapolis News | Weather Indiana | Indiana traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Marcus Robinson was one of two kayakers who went missing on the White River last Tuesday. His body was recovered on Monday and his community is reeling from the loss.

The 30-year-old was on the water with his cousin, 22-year-old Solomon Shirley, at around 8.30pm on Tuesday when their kayak capsized and failed to resurface. A 911 caller reported the incident from Belmont Beach on the city’s west side.

After five full days of searching, Indianapolis Fire Department crews were called to the 600 block of North White River Parkway West Drive around 9:34 a.m. Monday for a dive rescue. That’s just off West Michigan Street in the Haughville community west of Eskenazi Hospital.

The body was recovered and identified as Shirley.

A second body was found Monday evening in the river near West 10th and Porto Allegre streets. On Tuesday, the body was identified as Robinson.

Robinson’s best friend and brother, DuBois Johnson, described the loss as a “hole” in his life.

Johnson and Robinson worked together at Triumph Boxing on the north side of town. Johnson serves as head coach and Robinson was also a competitor and member of the coaching staff.

Other members of Triumph Boxing’s staff are similarly affected by Robinson’s death.

“His relationship with the gym grew from a guy who came in to pack the bags to someone in a leadership role and it was never an ego thing with him,” said Sean Eichenberg, co-owner of the gym.

As a coach, he had contact with students and pupils every day.

One of his students, Shelbie Crabtree, said his impact as a welcoming face and spirit far outweighed his coaching role.

“He was someone that if I was in the same place, I could stand next to him, sit next to him and he was so welcoming,” Crabtree said.

The Robinson community is committed to ensuring that his legacy is marked by his fearlessness, kindness and willingness to learn.