Authorities Find Body of Ocmulgee Drowning Victim

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After nine long days of dragging the Ocmulgee River, the search for the body of 24-year-old Aaron Cross is over.

“It’s been an extensive and exhaustive search,” Captain Bob Lynn with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.

But the search came to an end around 11 a.m. Tuesday. After more than a week of combing the Ocmulgee River, two cadaver dogs picked up a scent close to where authorities believe Cross drowned last Monday.

“The canines alerted approximately 500 yards below the original incident area,” Lynn said. “The body was partially submerged in some brush about 10 feet off the bank of the river.”

Lynn believes the body floated there over night. He says the recent warm weather gave searchers the break they needed.

“Last week it was cold, windy, raining. The water temperature didn’t rise much which hinders the search, which hinders the body from surfacing,” he said.

Searchers were out on motorboats everyday since Cross drowned on April 1st. They were dragging the river, using sonar equipment, and using helicopters to search from the sky to find the body. Authorities closed of Amerson Water Works Park while they recovered the body.

“Everyday since the incident took place been relentless in recovering the victim for the family,” Lynn said. “Today happened to be the day in which we we’re glad to bring closure to the incident with the family.”

41NBC spoke with Cross’ father on the phone and he said he is glad the search is over. The family is working on funeral arrangements.

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones says an autopsy should be completed tomorrow, which is standard procedure for all drownings. Jones says drowning is the most likely cause of death.