A man in his 60s reported missing from the Pine Bluff Arsenal was found dead in the Arkansas River at about 8 a.m. Thursday.
The Jefferson County sheriff’s office, Arsenal emergency services, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas State Police conducted a search for Ricky Wooten, 63, that started Wednesday evening after Wooten failed to check out from the Arsenal’s online outdoor recreation application at the end of the day, according to the Arsenal.
The sheriff’s marine patrol, along with deputies and investigators, responded to the missing person report and located Wooten’s truck parked at the Arkansas River Access boat ramp with the boat trailer still attached, according to the sheriff’s office. The boat, which the sheriff’s office said contained freshly caught fish, was found a short distance off the dock with no sign of Wooten.
The sheriff’s office said it deployed multiple boats with side-scan sonar and live-scope underwater camera capabilities to scan the river. Wooten’s body was discovered at about 7:59 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office, and was recovered and transported to the Jefferson County coroner’s office.
Both the Arsenal and sheriff’s office say the next of kin have been notified.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Preliminary findings suggest Mr. Wooten may have suffered a medical emergency and/or lost his footing while attempting to dock his boat after fishing,” the sheriff’s office reported in a news release. “Out of an abundance of caution and to determine the official cause and manner of death, JCSO has requested – through the coroner – the submission of Mr. Wooten’s body to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for a full autopsy. No additional details are being released at this time pending the medical examiner’s report.”
Both Arsenal Commander Col. Matthew C. Mason and Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. offered condolences to Wooten’s family and friends.
“We are grateful for the tireless efforts and collaboration among our emergency response partners,” Mason said. “Thanks to their dedication, the search continued uninterrupted until its conclusion. I want to personally thank the Jefferson County sheriff’s office, Arkansas Department of Corrections K-9 unit, White Hall Police Department K-9 unit, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Police and our own Emergency Services team for their professionalism and commitment.”
Woods said his deputies and investigators along with Arsenal personnel worked with “professionalism and urgency,” adding the investigation is ongoing.
“I am proud of their disciplined response and grateful for the teamwork shown throughout this difficult recovery,” Woods said. “We ask our community to keep the Wooten family in your thoughts and to respect their privacy during this time.”