Indiana Conservation Officers have recovered the body of Robert L. Austin, 26, of Connersville, from the Whitewater River.
A media release sent late in the evening of Tuesday, July 13, announced the discovery.
Conservation officers have searched in recent days for a missing man in the vicinity of Mahan Park, commonly referred to as “Three-Mile Bridge,” near Highway 121 in Connersville.
After receiving notification from Fayette County Dispatch at approximately 5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 8, conservation officers arrived on scene and discovered a vehicle and several articles belonging to Austin. The search was announced to media the evening of July 9.
Several local agencies searched the Whitewater River with boats and sonar, and utilized an Indiana State Police helicopter and drones.
Family notification has been made and an exact cause of death is pending autopsy results.
Conservation officers, who are part of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, were assisted in the recovery by Everton Fire Department and Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
Agencies assisting in the search included Bentonville, Richmond, Everton and Laurel fire departments, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and Fayette EMS.
This incident is still under investigation. Those with any information may contact Indiana Conservation Officer Dispatch Center at (812) 837-9536 or Fayette County Dispatch at (765) 825-2111.