Gadsden law enforcement continues extensive search in Coosa River for drowning victim

Donna Thornton, The Gadsden Times
·2 min read

The search for a drowning victim in the Coosa River near Coosa Landing entered its fifth day Wednesday.

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the victim had not been located despite an extensive search involving sonar, dragging operations and dive teams.

On Tuesday, a helicopter flew through the area repeatedly looking for signs of the victim last seen on Memorial Bridge on Broad Street at about 5:21 p.m. Saturday. Multiple witnesses saw the victim go into the water, Gadsden Fire Chief Wil Reed said.

The Gadsden Fire Department's boat was in the water quickly to look for the victim, and, according to a Gadsden City Council member, police commandeered a private boat just after the incident was reported but was unable to find the victim in time.

Since then the search has continued, although it was hindered Sunday by stormy weather.

Multiple boats with sonar and mapping technology, as well as dragging capabilities have been utilized in recovery efforts, Etowah County Emergency Management Agency Public Information Officer Breonna Cole said.

Related: Search continues for person believed drowned in Coosa River near Memorial Bridge

In other news: GAA seeks $400,000 from city for legal fees. What happens if the city doesn't pay?

The Gadsden Fire Department and surrounding agencies continued the search Wednesday for a drowning victim in the Coosa River. The person was last seen on Memorial Bridge on Broad Street at 5:21 p.m. Witnesses saw the victim go into the river.
The Gadsden Fire Department and surrounding agencies continued the search Wednesday for a drowning victim in the Coosa River. The person was last seen on Memorial Bridge on Broad Street at 5:21 p.m. Witnesses saw the victim go into the river.

Other resources that have been deployed include helicopters, dive teams, drones and search and rescue teams.

Many agencies and organizations have aided in recovery efforts: the Gadsden, Rainbow City, Southside, Hokes Bluff, Tidmore Bend Volunteer, Ballplay Bend Volunteer Coates Bend Volunteer fire departments; Gadsden Police Department; Etowah County Sheriff’s Office; Gadsden/Etowah County EMA; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; North Alabama Search Dog Association; Alabama Fish and Game and Alexander City Rescue. Operations are ongoing.

Reed said side sonar was being used to try to locate the person. The boat from Tallapoosa County's Alexander City Rescue Squad had a stronger sonar system, he said.

City officials said Coosa Landing remains closed, and boaters should use the launch at Jack L. Ray Park instead.

Contact Gadsden Times reporter Donna Thornton at 256-393-3284 or donna.thornton@gadsdentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden, other area responders continue search for drowning victim