Tragic Discovery of Two Kayakers in Hampton Bays

Early Wednesday morning, authorities reported the tragic discovery of two kayakers found dead in the waters near Hampton Bays on Long Island. This came just a day after they had been reported missing.

The victims, Daniel Villa, 25, from Southampton, and Juan Carlos Penaranda, 43, from Quogue, were located in Shinnecock Bay. They had set out from Ponquogue Pier around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, navigating through the bay in a distinctive two-person kayak.

The families of the men raised the alarm around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Villa’s body was found around 4 a.m. near the northwest corner of Ponquogue Bridge, while Penaranda was located by the north bulkhead adjacent to the Amalfi Restaurant on Lighthouse Road, close to Hampton Bays.

An extensive search operation was carried out by multiple agencies, including local police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and volunteer emergency services.

The Suffolk County Coroner’s Office will conduct autopsies to ascertain the causes of death. In the meantime, local officials are advising residents to exercise caution while kayaking.

Southampton Trustee Chairman Jimmy Mack emphasized the importance of safety, urging people to avoid night kayaking, always wear personal flotation devices, and be mindful of environmental conditions. “The water is cold,” he added, echoing a prevalent concern.

This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in kayaking, particularly in colder waters. A similar tragedy occurred in November 2025 when two other kayakers lost their lives near the same area while en route to Ponquogue Bridge.