Brian Bergkamp, a seminarian from the Diocese of Wichita who was studying at a Maryland seminary, is believed dead after saving the life of a woman who fell into the Arkansas River on Saturday.

By mid-day yesterday, he remained missing. Friends and family members remember were holding vigils to pray for the recovery of his body.

Bergkamp, 24, was among five people travelling in separate kayaks when all got caught in turbulent waters.

According to The Wichita Eagle newspaper, Bergkamp jumped from his kayak to save the woman before getting pulled under himself. He was not wearing a life jacket. The other kayakers made it to shore.