Emergency officials discovered the body of a 22-year-old former UNA student Thursday morning on the dam at Cypress Creek.

Alabama Marine Officer Josh Bradford said Daniel S. Smith, who went missing Wednesday after his kayak overturned around 4 p.m. near the Florence Water Treatment Plant during a trip with friends, was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

Rescue efforts were quickly organized Wednesday afternoon when Smith went missing and continued unsuccessfully until dusk that evening. Officials resumed the effort early Thursday morning and found Smith’s body about a mile down the dam around 10:30 a.m.

Lauderdale County Coroner Andy High suspects Smith may have drowned but said the victim’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the official cause of death.

Smith, who was an inactive member of Pi Kappa Alpha, had not been enrolled at UNA since the spring of 2010, according to UNA officials.

“On behalf of our university president and the entire UNA family, our hearts go out to Daniel’s family and close friends,” said David Shields, vice president for student affairs. “Daniel had many friends here, and this is a devastating time for many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each person affected by this tragedy.”

Barrett Parnell, a close friend of Smith, said the former UNA student was an incredible person who touched the lives of many and was willing to assist anyone who sought his help.

“It’s so sad he’s gone, but there is a reason for everything,” he said. “It’s a definite tragedy for the community, the Greek community and the whole entire UNA community.”

UNA graduate student Bishop Alexander, a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, said the sudden death has been difficult for Smith’s loved ones, fraternity brothers and friends who considered him a beloved companion.

“Daniel’s situation has sent a shockwave through the entire UNA Greek system, especially those who have graduated,” he said. “Daniel (was) an all-around guy who could get along with just about anybody.”