The Helena-West Helena Police Department said Friday they have recovered a body from the Mississippi River and have sent it for an autopsy to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
The body of a black male was recovered Thursday by Arkansas authorities after a gray SUV was found abandoned on the Helena Bridge over the Mississippi River early Tuesday morning.
The West Helena Police Department received a call about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday of an unoccupied SUV on the bridge with the lights on and the driver’s door open.
Pine Bluff resident, Damarea Brian Keith Tyler, 28, was believed to be an occupant of the vehicle. Information was given to the department that he was possibly wearing blue jean pants, no shoes and no shirt.
Helena-West Helena Police Department Investigators, along with Phillips County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Helena-West Helena Fire Department conducted a extensive search on the Mississippi River for Tyler.
Police said, until the state crime lab confirms the identity of the body, the incident is still considered a missing persons investigation.
Tyler is described as 5-foot-8 and approximately 150-pounds.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Helena-West Helena Police Department at 870-572-3441.
