SUMTER, SC (WBTW) – The body of a missing fisherman has been located in Sumter County after he reportedly fell out of his fishing boat Saturday, deputies report.
The body of Harry Lee Bradley, 61, of Sumter, who had been missing since Saturday, when friends dropped him off to go fishing in the Pocotaligo River was recovered by PFC Ed Laney from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Sumter Police Department Sgt. Billy Lyons and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Robert Reynolds.
Bradley’s body surfaced close to the area where his empty boat was located on Sunday and was found about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, confirms Public Information Officer with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Ken Bell. Foul play is not suspected.
“It appears that Mr. Bradley was standing in the boat and fell overboard,” Laney said.
Sumter County Deputy Coroner Rob Lybrand also said an autopsy and other testing to determine an exact cause of death and approximate time would be conducted in Newberry on Wednesday.
“Our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Bradley,” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “We appreciate the diligent team work from other agencies including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter Police Department, City of Sumter, South Carolina Department of Transportation and the concern and care from the many Sumter residents and passersby who stopped by to bring food and water to those active in the search.”
Sumter County Coroner’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff Office and SC Dept. of Natural Resources will continue their investigations.