Canadian kayaker capsizes, dies at Lake Powell

Rangers recovered the body of a Canadian woman who died after her kayak capsized in heavy waves at Lake Powell, the National Park Service said Thursday.

Michele Melik, 41, of Edmonton, Alberta, was paddling 100 yards offshore Tuesday at Padre Bay when her kayak overturned in winds gusting to 45 mph and 4-foot swells.

Melik's body, still in a life jacket, washed ashore and was recovered by park rangers the next day.

The cause of her death was under investigation and authorities said it wasn't immediately clear if Melik died of drowning or exposure in the 52-degree waters.

Melik was kayaking with a friend from Edmonton who also overturned in the heavy waves. He lost track of Melik and couldn't rescue her but was able to swim safely to shore, said Kevin Schneider, spokesman for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The man, who wasn't identified, spent Tuesday night camping on shore with Melik's 15-year-old son before they could flag down a maintenance barge operated by park concessioner Aramark for help.

The boat's captain notified authorities, who began a search by boat and aircraft.