NORTH CAROLINA — Authorities are investigating after a body was found in the Dan River in Rockingham County on Sunday evening.
According to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, two kayakers spotted what appeared to be something suspicious along the bank of the river near the boat landing on Bethlehem Church Road around 5:05 p.m. and contacted deputies.
Officials said responding deputies recovered the body, which was identified only as a male. Authorities have not released the person’s identity or any details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Investigators said the condition of the body indicates it may have been in the river for an extended period of time.
The body will be taken to the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Raleigh for identification and further examination.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s crime scene unit is assisting in the investigation, along with Rockingham County rescue and swift water rescue teams that used boats to recover the body.
Captain Jonathan Cheek said the sheriff’s office is currently investigating a separate missing persons case involving a female, but confirmed the body recovered Sunday is not connected to that case.
Authorities are asking anyone who has not heard from a loved one, friend or acquaintance in recent days, weeks or months to contact local law enforcement agencies, as the information could help investigators identify the deceased.
The investigation remains ongoing.
