BECKER, Miss. — According to Monroe County coroner Alan Gurley, the body of one of the two fishermen reported missing Tuesday was discovered Thursday morning.
Winford L. Holmes, 69, of Bartlett died from freshwater drowning.
“His body was located by a fisherman about 8:30 this morning, and the fisherman notified authorities,” Gurley said.
Holmes’ body was located near the Becker boat ramp, approximately six miles south of the U.S. 278 boat ramp where the two men launched from Tuesday afternoon, according to Gurley.
“At this point, we’re not doing an autopsy, and will turn him over to the family,” Gurley said. “It’s an unfortunate accident, and I’m sure the condition of the swift water played a role.”
Search crews began searching the Tombigbee River Tuesday night after family members were unable to establish contact with the two. The fishing boat the two were in was discovered capsized two miles downstream hours after the search began.
See an earlier story about the search efforts on the Monroe Journal’s website.
Written by Ray Vandusen of the Monroe Journal, special to the Express. Contact him at ray.vandusen@journalinc.com.
