Tag: Tyler Doyle

Reported Tyler Doyle sightings prompt SLED to investigate

Almost a year after duck hunter Tyler Doyle of Loris, SC went missing during a duck hunt, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has joined the investigation.

Doyle went missing on Jan. 26, 2023 in his hunting boat after dropping a friend off for the hunt. His friend reportedly watched Doyle’s boat sinking and called 911 as the boat disappeared around some rocks. Doyle was not seen again.

An extensive investigation involving numerous agencies lasted several days. SCDNR reported that no foul play was suspected, and ruled the incident a hunting accident. But since then, numerous sightings of Doyle have been called in to authorities.

SCDNR spokesperson Stephen Fastenau said DNR remains the lead agency on the case. But he said because of numerous reported possible sightings of Doyle, they have asked SLED to review the file and to assist with missing person inquiries.

Have you or someone you know seen Tyler Doyle? If so, call SLED at 803-896-7133.

Click here to read more information about Tyler Doyle’s case.

SCDNR press release on Tyler Doyle search

The following is a press release issued by SCDNR on Feb. 13, 2023:

S.C. Department of Natural Resources continues its ongoing search for Tyler Doyle and reiterated its position that the case is a hunting/boating accident.

SCDNR’s investigation indicated that at about 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, Tyler and a friend were duck hunting in a 16-foot jon boat at the Little River jetties. The jetties are rock structures near the South Carolina/North Carolina line that extend from shore out into Little River Inlet and help boats navigate the swirling tides and currents.

A small-craft advisory was in effect that afternoon, meaning seas were rough and not conducive for smaller vessel operation. Tyler initially dropped the friend off on the north jetty and then moved away in the boat to scout and put out some duck decoys. They stayed in contact on the phone, although the friend said he lost sight of Tyler as he went around the south jetty. Shortly afterwards Tyler called his friend stating the boat was having mechanical issues and he couldn’t keep the motor running and the boat was taking on water.

Another boat was flagged down by Tyler’s friend and attempted to get to Tyler but had to return because of rough sea conditions.

A 911 call initiated a multi-agency search including SCDNR, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue and the Coast Guard. An Horry County Fire Rescue boat was on scene within nine minutes of being dispatched. Tyler’s friend was rescued from the Little River jetties and they were able to locate Tyler’s boat, which was submerged with the bow up and motor down, with only a foot of the boat showing above water. Rescuers noted the water temperature was 50 degrees, and the air temperature was 39 degrees.

SCDNR’s lead investigator for this case, Ronnie Floyd, confirmed numerous calls were made by Tyler and his friend to 911, as well as family and friends seeking assistance. Location data from Tyler’s Life360, a location-sharing app, which was provided to investigators by Tyler’s family corroborates the independent carrier location data obtained from Tyler’s phone carrier.

SCDNR investigators say the phone records, coupled with the data location information, witness interviews, a boat inspection and recovered items currently indicate this to be a hunting/boating accident and no foul play is suspected at this time.

Rumors regarding pending criminal charges against Tyler are unfounded.

Weather conditions that day, coupled with boating mechanical issues, appear to be the predominant contributing factors.

S.C. Department of Natural Resources remains committed to continuing the search as conditions allow. The agency currently has assistance from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, N.C.

Wildlife Resources Commission and help from the nonprofit search-and-rescue organization Wings of Hope. SCDNR wants to thank all agencies that have assisted.

“We mourn right alongside Tyler’s family and our officers have been with them throughout this process,” said SCDNR Investigator Ronnie Floyd. “We want to bring them closure, and that’s why we are working every day to try and find him.”

SCDNR is providing regular updates on Twitter @SCDNR.

No foul play suspected in missing duck hunter case

Last week we shared a story of missing SC duck hunter Tyler Doyle, complete with conspiracy theories posted on numerous social media pages. But as the search for Doyle continues past two full weeks, law enforcement agencies have said no foul play is suspected.

Several state and local agencies are continuing the search for Doyle, and this week, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization called Wings of Hope Search and Rescue joined in. This group brought in boats equipped with underwater sonar and 3D imaging, drones, and cadaver dogs.

Whatever conjecture has come from numerous armchair private investigators on social media, law enforcement and rescue agencies believe Doyle disappeared in the exact manner as reported on Jan. 26, when Doyle’s hunting partner called 911 after seeing Doyle’s boat, which had become disabled, taking on water outside of the jetties connecting Little River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The hunting partner was standing on the north jetty when the first rescue team arrived, having been dropped off by Doyle earlier. Duck hunting from these jetties is not uncommon, and leaving one hunter in one spot, then boating to another spot in order to cover more water or to set up decoys is also a fairly common practice.

Doyle’s neoprene waders, which are capable of floating for an extended period of time, were found by family members during the first couple of days after his disappearance. His wallet and some decoys have also been found.

What really happened to missing duck hunter Tyler Doyle?

What really happened to missing duck hunter Tyler Doyle?

Twenty-two-year-old Tyler Doyle of Loris, SC went missing during a duck hunt on Jan. 26, 2023 near the border of North and South Carolina. A massive manhunt began almost immediately, with rescuers reportedly on scene within 9 minutes of being called.

But as of Feb. 4, a full 9 days later, Doyle has not been found. This despite search and rescue teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, the SC Dept. of Natural Resources, the NC Marine Fisheries Division and numerous other local, highly-trained rescue teams with state-of-the-art technology looking non-stop. And that’s not to mention untold numbers of private volunteers also looking. From land, sea and air, it’s been a search of epic proportions.

As always, some folks jump to conclusions right away. It was the same in this case. Early on, some were calling it a hoax. All a conspiracy. His duck hunting buddy did it. He’s on the lam to escape an upcoming court date. He decided to start a new life. He’s safe at home, but staying hidden so that his wife can collect his life insurance money and hopefully collect some donations from the good people of the world.

But all the speculation has just been that – speculation and rumor. Started, spread and bolstered by those not on the ground, on the water, or involved in any way in the search for Doyle. Meanwhile, those organizations that have been involved in the search have tried to put those rumors to rest. Agencies like the SCDNR have released multiple statements saying this is simply the case of a boating/hunting accident and that no foul play is suspected.

GoFish@CarolinaFishAndHunt

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