Update May 26, 1:25 p.m.: An informal memorial gathering for Chris Dennis will take place Monday, May 27, at 5 p.m. at the North Pavilion at Taughannock Falls State Park. From Ithaca, enter the park on the second right after the bridge. Admission fees will be waived after 4:30 p.m.

Update May 25, 1 p.m.: A Wordpress site is up and running at searchforchrisdennis.Wordpress.com. Check the site for the latest information and appropriate people to contact.

Update May 23 4:11 p.m.: Search coordinators are requesting a second group of volunteers to begin an evening search from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Meet at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts at 4:30 p.m. A volunteer coordinator will direct carpools to search locations on Cayuga Lake. Drivers are needed. Be advised that the drive is at least 40 minutes.

Volunteers also can join the search directly at the two locations listed below at 5:30 p.m. Wear closed-toe footwear and long pants. Bring water, snacks, flashlights and rain gear. Reflective vests will be provided.

Anyone with information should call the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office at 315-220-3200.

Originally posted May 23 at 11:30 a.m.: Christopher Dennis, a Cornell student and Ithaca resident, has been reported missing since early Wednesday, May 22, after leaving a town of Covert campsite in a canoe, according to Seneca County officials. A search is underway.

Dennis, 22, a senior scheduled to graduate Sunday, was last seen by friends at about 6 a.m. Wednesday after leaving the campsite alone to canoe. His canoe was later discovered overturned in Cayuga Lake a few miles away from the campsite.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sweep of the area Wednesday night with other agencies and many volunteers, including fellow Cornell students. They resumed searching for Dennis this morning, with several boats in the water and deputies working with volunteers on land.

Those wishing to join the volunteer search effort being organized by Dennis’ friends and family can check in with organizers at noon today at the following locations:

• East side of Cayuga Lake – Milliken Drive, which is located off of State Route 34B in Lansing. Follow road to the shoreline.
• West side of Cayuga Lake – Sheldrake Point Road, which is located off of State Route 89, 12 miles north of Taughannock Falls State Park. Follow road to shoreline.

Anyone with information or wishing to help should call the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office at 315-220-3200.