Human Remains Found in River Near Cordova
Human remains have been found floating in the Black Warrior River in Walker County this morning. Cordova Police report the body of a white male was noticed floating in the Black Warrior River near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train trestle that connects Cordova with Dora. A bridge inspection crew spotted the body and informed authorities around 9:00 Saturday morning.
Cordova is a city of some 2,400 residents located in east Walker County near the Mulberry Fork of the Warrior River
The Cordova Police Department posted the following statement on their Facebook page:
"Responders were able to recover the remains using a vessel and identified the deceased person as a white male. The police department believes we have identified the deceased, but out of an abundance of caution, we will withhold that information until an autopsy can be completed and identify can be verified independently. We do feel confident about our identification, but we want to be absolutely certain to ensure that the true next of kin is notified before providing that information to the public."
The post went on to say authorities do not have enough evidence at this time to confirm or deny that foul play was involved in the man's death.
The body is being sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy and examination. It could be days or weeks, due to backlogs at forensics, before a preliminary cause of death is returned.
Cordova Police say they are working closely with the Walker County District Attorney's office as well as other law enforcement agencies to ensure this case is investigated thoroughly.
Cordova PD states they do not have any reason to believe there is any threat to the public. If anyone does have information they feel is relevant to this case, Cordova PD is asking they call 205-483-7100 or 205-483-7378.
This is a breaking and ongoing story that Townsquare Tuscaloosa will continue to follow and update as new information is revealed.