Body of missing man recovered in Mississippi River

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police have located the body of the man who went missing in the Mississippi River.

“We have taken that body to the medical examiner’s office, but we believe it will be our missing boater,” MPD Assistant Chief Don Crowe said.

At 7 a.m., the Memphis Police Department resumed the search for the missing boater. At 10:10 a.m., the body of a male who matched the missing man’s description was located and recovered.

Close friends identify the man as 47-year-old Gary Riley.

According to reports, a citizen called police at around 6:45 a.m. on Friday, saying they could hear someone crying for help from the river.

“An on-duty north main station lieutenant went through the harbor and found a retired Memphis police officer with a boat. They got in that boat and they were able to rescue one person and save his life,” Crowe said.

Crowe said the rescued man is expected to be okay.

Search crews were called off Friday evening and resumed Saturday morning at 7 a.m. with Riley’s family members standing nearby waiting for the heartbreaking outcome.

“Our hearts ache for them (because of) the anxiety going through them, not knowing,” Crowe said. “They have been easy to work with but you can tell they’re devastated.”

Crowe said the MPD is investigating what caused the boat to capsize.

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