The body of an Illinois man was recovered from the Lake of the Ozarks late Saturday night after he drowned while watching the 31st annual Ozarks Shootout boat races.

23-year-old Sean T. Burgess of Peoria, Ill., was a spectator at the races at the 33.9 mile marker in Camden County, and friends and family members last saw Burgess floating on a large "Maui Mat" before he presumably jumped off the mat and into the water just before 2 p.m. and never resurfaced. No one actually saw Burgess enter the water, but he was later noticed missing by his group. The races were halted, and a search for Burgess began.

Dragging operations were conducted, as well as a search made by Mid-County Dive Team. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Dive Team was called, and the body was recovered at 10:48 p.m. Saturday night in 37 feet of water.

A dozen Troopers, in addition to four MSHP dive team members, assisted with the search. Next of kin was notified. The body was taken to Hedges Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton.

The boat races were not resumed for the remainder of Saturday.

MSHP - Troop F
MSHP - Troop F
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