Exclusive interview with Tyler Doyle’s family: volunteers needed, not money

Family members of missing duck hunter Tyler Doyle gathered around heaters Monday morning at the T. Craig Campbell dock landing to await any updates in the search.

Tyler Doyle, who was cited by law enforcement as age 23 but 22 according to the family, was last seen wearing a camo jacket and khaki pants while duck hunting on a 16-foot jon boat on Jan. 26, officials have said. His boat sank after taking on water near a Little River jetty.

The search has captured the attention of thousands over social media nationwide.

The grandparents, mother and a few family friends were present at the boat landing, dressed in warm clothes for the 50-degree weather. One South Carolina Department of Natural Resources car was parked outside. Lakelyn Doyle, wife of Tyler, was not present Monday morning.

No other agencies were present.

Family members, who have not talked to any other media outlets, have been at the boat landing every day since the day Tyler went missing, Linda “Nana” Doyle, a grandmother, , said. Every boat that went out was loaded with supplies, such as Gatorade and food.

Linda Doyle said that volunteers, more than anything else, such as donations, were needed. She added her gratitude to every volunteer who has assisted with the search.

“From the bottom of our heart, every family member thanks everybody for what they’ve done, from the smallest to the greatest thing that’s been done, we want the public to know that we are grateful,” Doyle said.

Tyler Doyle’s family said rumors and misinformation shared on social media have been hurtful

One rumor family said was false was that members were refusing help from some volunteers.

“At no given time, have we turned not one person’s help away,” Linda Doyle said.

Doyle spoke about some of Tyler characteristics as well — he was an avid duck hunter, and race cars was his second passion. She added that if anyone were in Tyler’s shoes, he would be out helping.

“Anybody here, whether they were a friend or stranger that were in trouble, Tyler would be here from the beginning to the end,” Doyle said. “He wouldn’t stop until they could find them.”

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the lead agency in the investigation, will be providing aerial support Monday and will have one boat in the water, according to spokesperson Greg Lucas.

The agency has not provided any other statements at this time.

Multiple agencies across South Carolina and North Carolina have participated in the search for Doyle. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search on Jan. 27, and the North Myrtle Beach Rescue squad stopped their daily searches Saturday.

Items, including a duck decoy, have washed ashore near Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, according to the Surf City Police Department.

A variety of resources have been deployed in the 11 days Tyler Doyle has been missing, from sonar probes, to bloodhounds, to GPS tracking and helicopters.

At this point, the family is not planning another vigil, but would like to plan a celebration, Linda Doyle said.

This story was originally published February 6, 2023 at 1:49 PM.