Body of missing Gadsden man found near Coosa River

Body of missing Gadsden man found near Coosa River

The body of a 20-year-old Gadsden man who disappeared last week was found Wednesday by fisherman near the Coosa River, authorities said.

A search of the river began April 4 after Gadsden officers were notified of an unoccupied vehicle left running at the apex of the Megihan Boulevard bridge. The vehicle was identified as belonging to 20-year-old Bryan Stamps.

On Thursday, fishermen found Stamps’ body in the area of Whorton Bend, said Gadsden police Sgt. Marcus Hill.

Gadsden police were continuing to investigate Stamps’ death.

Gadsden Det. Lt. Scott Lumpkin told AL.com Stamps’ friends and family had not described Stamps as suicidal, and there was no indication that he jumped from the bridge. Officers attempted to locate his phone, with no success, and looked for him in several locations, including local hospitals, police said.

In fact, his vehicle had been found earlier in the week abandoned in the Tuscaloosa Avenue area, reportedly with transmission trouble.

A family member filed a missing person’s report on April 7 at around 5:30 p.m.