11-10 | Official Media Statement: Texas Game Wardens Continue Search on Trinity River

Nov. 10, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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Note: This item is more than a month old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.: On the afternoon of Nov. 12, William Poff, 53, of Camilla, was recovered from the Trinity River, south of Lake Livingston Dam by Texas Game Wardens.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Poff’s family and the families of the two boys during this difficult time.

Nov. 11, 11 a.m.: The search for the 53-year-old man who went missing in the Trinity River on Nov. 9 continues today. Texas Game Wardens have dedicated multiple resources to the search: game wardens from San Jacinto and Polk counties, members of the Underwater Search and Recovery Team, a human remains K9 and possible aviation assets. Finding the victim remains our top priority.

The Cape Royale Volunteer Fire Department and the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s office are also assisting.

Our hearts remain with the victims’ families.

Nov. 10, 7:15 p.m.: The search for the missing 53-year-old man has been suspended for the evening and will resume tomorrow morning (Nov. 11).

Nov. 10, 12 p.m.: On Sunday, Nov. 9, Texas Game Wardens in San Jacinto and Polk counties responded to the Trinity River south of Lake Livingston Dam after receiving reports of three missing people.

Two teenage boys, ages 14 and 15, were kayaking when their kayak overturned. The father of one of the teens, a 53-year-old male, entered the water in an attempt to rescue them. He also went underwater and did not resurface.

The two teenagers were recovered by Polk County Game Wardens Sunday evening. The search for the adult male resumed this morning (Nov. 10). Finding him and providing closure to the families remains our top priority.

The Texas Game Warden Underwater Search and Recovery Team, Texas State Park Police, San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and local first responders are assisting with the ongoing search.

Our thoughts remain with the victims’ families and friends during this difficult time.