PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Human remains found Sunday on the beach near South Ponte Vedra Beach Park has been confirmed to be of the 47-year-old swimmer who disappeared in the ocean while body surfing Thursday evening, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said.
Based on dental records, the Medical Examiner's Office positively identified the remains as Dale Kopf, of St. Augustine, the swimmer reported missing last week. Based on the autopsy, Kopf drowned.
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Kopf was last seen about 7 p.m. Thursday. The Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Fire/Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard searched for the victim through the evening by air, boat, and ground but were unable to locate him. His remains were found washed up on the beach at 10 a.m. Sunday.