Weather Suspends Search Efforts for Drowning Victim

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Search efforts are on hold Thursday morning for the man believed to have drowned in the Ocmulgee River Monday.

Lt. Sean Defoe with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office tells 41NBC searchers are on standby and waiting to see if the weather clears up. Sgt. Tony Fox with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says his officers won’t be in the water if it is too dangerous.

Macon-Bibb County Fire Department divers, BSO deputies, and DNR officers are waiting to see if the weather will clear up by the afternoon to continue the search.

Lt. Defoe says 24-year-old Aaron Cross of Warner Robins was swimming in the Ocmulgee River when he started getting tired, struggled, and eventually went under water. Searchers have been out since Monday dragging the river near Amerson Water Works Park for the body.

On Wednesday, a cadaver dog picked up a scent and narrowed down the search area to a 75 feet long by 40 feet wide area off the river bank. Searchers believe that is where the body is located. A tow truck came out to remove a log from the water so the searchers could continue looking.

DNR officers are using sonar equipment and dragging the area along the riverbank thoroughly. As of Wednesday evening, the body has not been found.

Family and friends have been out all week, watching the search, and hoping to get closure. A small memorial is set up along the edge of the wooded area to remember Cross.

Stay with 41NBC for updates on this story.