Body discovered in Cape Fear River; investigation underway

Scientists conducting water tests discovered a body in the Cape Fear River on Tuesday afternoon. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) reported the find occurred around 2:30 p.m. on March 18. The location of the discovery was downtown, between the railroad crossing bridge and the Eastern Boulevard bridge. Recovery efforts faced delays due to fallen trees and debris from previous hurricanes. The body has been sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy and identification. Agents from the SBI’s Southeastern District are now investigating the case. A spokesperson for the SBI mentioned they are leading the investigation because they believe the body may have entered the river from another county. Further details were not provided.