Body of Milton man recovered from Escambia Bay

A Milton man perished today in a canoe accident. A call went out to Escambia Search and Rescue to help search for a missing canoist in Escambia Bay at 1 p.m. A semi truck passing on the overpass saw a person in the water signalling for help and called it in. Two had gone canoeing with one life jacket and the canoe had flipped. Poncherello “Ponch” Kirkland of Milton, age 25 was declared deceased when his body was recovered this evening. Escambia Search and Rescue worked with Florida Fish and Wildlife to recover the body.  Information provided by Escambia Search and Rescue .