Chris Smelley, the former University of South Carolina quarterback who went missing after setting out for a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, has been found by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Law enforcement officials in Florida confirmed his safety nearly 12 hours after he was last seen leaving for his expedition.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office had issued a press release seeking assistance in locating the 37-year-old ex-SEC player, who had embarked on his kayak from Grayton Beach around 8:30 a.m.
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Video has emerged on social media of the dramatic rescue.
Following Chris Smelley’s disappearance, multiple local agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife agency, were mobilized to aid in the search effort.
Nearly 12 hours later, authorities confirmed that Smelley had been found safe.
The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, which located Smelley approximately two miles off the coast of Grayton Beach.
Chris Smelley had a notable stint with the South Carolina Gamecocks football team, spanning three seasons from 2006 to 2008.
During his time as the team’s starting quarterback, he achieved a 9-6 record.
In his final season, Smelley showcased his skills by completing 169 passes for 1,922 yards and throwing 14 touchdowns over the course of 12 games.
Following his football career at South Carolina, Smelley transitioned to playing baseball at the collegiate level.
In 2009, he transferred to the University of Alabama to join the Crimson Tide baseball team.
Smelley now serves as the head football coach at Sylacauga High School.
