Former SEC quarterback found safe after missing for hours in Gulf of Mexico

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) - A former college quarterback has been located after reportedly going missing on a fishing trip.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office updated its search Thursday evening, saying a missing kayaker, identified as Chris Smelley, has been found safe.

According to the sheriff’s office, Smelley went fishing in a blue and black kayak around 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico near Grayton Beach and did not return.

Smelley is currently the head football coach at Sylacauga High School in Alabama. The 37-year-old also played quarterback for the University of South Carolina from 2006-2008.

Authorities did not share any further immediate information about how he was found.

Earlier in the day, the sheriff’s office reported it had jet skis in the water off Grayton Beach and the United States Coast Guard was notified.

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