Family Identifies Man Missing At Ski Island Lake As Search Continues

A man believed to have been swept away by rushing waters at Ski Island was identified by family members as Monte Williams, 49. 

Forty-eight hours into the search friends and family said they recognized the challenges searchers were facing.

The search for beloved chef, father, and musician Monte Williams continues.

“I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He always found the good in people, the good in everything,” said friend and bandmate Colten Sylvester.

Sylvester said his stomach sank when he learned Williams could be in danger.

“We saw his car on the story on News 9 and we recognized the car,” said Sylvester. 

Williams’s car, submerged under rushing waters Monday night, was spotted by concerned neighbors.

911 Caller: “There is a car at Ski Island where the road spillway is and it is under water and it is against the fence."

911 Caller: "He’s been there about ten minutes and he cannot get out of his car."

As searchers scoured the shoreline family and friends held on to hope.

“I was a little bit in denial the whole time, in denial thinking he’s fine it’s a car that looks like his,” said Sylvester. 

Only to learn Tuesday that it was too late.

“His cousin messaged me to confirm it was indeed his car and that they were trying to recover the body at that point, that he did not make it,” said Sylvester.

The absence of such a lively soul is something Sylvester said is hard to accept.

“A 49-year-old guy that looked 25 or 30. Everyone always says you’re how old? No way? Everyone thought he was 30 tops. His spirit, he was young at heart. He had a youthful vigor that seemed like it would never leave him,” said Sylvester.          

Rescue crews will return to continue the search Thursday morning.