UPDATE | Community remembers Andy Smith one week after deadly kayak trip

One week after he went missing in the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River, Andy Smith's family is now laying his body to rest.

The kayaker and former Marine was honored by his family and friends Wednesday as they said their final goodbyes.

"It's unfortunate that everybody didn't know him because they would have loved him," said his sister, Genevieve Stiltner.

The family said they received an overwhelming amount of support during the last week.

"I think it's a true compliment to Andy and the person that he was," said his brother-in-law, Rob Dennis. "That it showed how people can come together and work together."

His family said Andy would have loved to know he brought people together. They said they are truly thankful to everyone involved in the search and everyone who reached out in the aftermath.

Search crews have found the body of a kayaker who went missing in Pike County, Kentucky.

Paris Smith, 47, of Pikeville, disappeared Wednesday evening. Kentucky State Police troopers tell WSAZ his body was found Friday morning.

Troopers say Smith was kayaking in the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River around 10 p.m. Wednesday when he became separated from his group. Crews searched for him Wednesday evening through Friday.

According to KSP, Smith's body was found in the area behind Big Lots in Coal Run, Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police troopers have identified the missing person they are searching for along the Big Sandy River in Pike County, Kentucky.

Paris Smith, 47, of Pikeville, went missing after kayaking Wednesday evening.

Troopers say Smith was kayaking in the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River around 10 p.m. when he became separated from his group.

Investigators say crews began searching Wednesday night, looked throughout the night, and kept searching into Thursday afternoon with no luck.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, investigators have not located Smith.

The search area starts near the boat ramp behind the Pikeville Texas Roadhouse and continues north toward the Floyd County line.

Search and rescue crews are looking for a missing kayaker in Pike County, Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police troopers are investigating the disappearance. Troopers say a person went missing after kayaking in the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River.

The group of people became separated around 10 p.m. Wednesday while kayaking on the river.

Investigators say crews began searching Wednesday night, looked throughout the night, and kept searching into Thursday morning with no luck.

Several emergency agencies and rescue crews are at the scene Thursday morning.

The search area starts near the boat ramp behind the Pikeville Texas Roadhouse and continues north toward the Floyd County line.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.