Search crews spent Wednesday in the area where they believe Michael Larson went missing on the Missouri River. The 46 year old missing Yankton boater is the emergency department manager at Avera Sacred Heart hospital in Yankton. Hospital CEO Pamela Rezac told Action News, it is a time of hope and prayer.

Michael Larson has spent 15 years helping colleagues at Avera Sacred Heart in Yankton.

"Mike, he is a tremendous leader and a true role model," Rezac said.

Rezac tells Action News, Michael Larson is the type of guy who helps people at the drop of a hat and his enthusiasm for people is infectious. Since Friday, Michael Larson has been missing on the Missouri River with search crews theorizing he fell off his boat and into the Missouri River near the town of Running Water. The absence of a big man with a big heart is leaving a big hole at the hospital.

"We all feel like a family here and, right now, one of our family members is missing," Rezac said. "It's a very difficult time for us.

The difficult times continue as does the search, with Michael Larson's loved ones in the position of sitting and waiting to see what happens next.

"We're here supporting Mike and his family in our prayers," "We hope that we can life them up in that way. We think our prayers are pretty powerful.

The Bon Homme County says search efforts are continuing on the Missouri River with no plans to suspend the search.