Dubuque County: Authorities Still Searching River for Missing Man

By Addison Speck, Reporter

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Jun 9, 2012 at 12:26 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 10, 2012 at 7:12 AM CDT

DUBUQUE COUNTY, Iowa - A 30-year-old Dubuque man still remains missing after a five hour search by authorities.

Crews searched the Massey Marina Park area of the Mississippi River in Dubuque County on Saturday. That’s just southeast of Dubuque and off US Highway 52. The majority of responders left around 3 p.m. Saturday after an unsuccessful river recovery effort.

Officials said they will continue their investigation until they find him.

Crews looked through campsites, nearby land and water for the man.

“Indications of talking with friends and family were that at some time around 2 to 3 o’clock, the subject indicated he was going to go swimming,” Captain Dale Snyder of the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department said.

Officials said the man never came back. Responders were called just after 8:30 a.m., Saturday. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Dubuque, East Dubuque, and Key West fire and rescue teams, along with the Dubuque County Conservation board and Sheriff’s office responded to the call.

“We did find clothing of the subject near the river which indicated he probably was swimming or going to attempt to swim,” Snyder said.

That led crews to spend most of their Saturday on the water, dragging the river in hopes of finding the man’s body. The search went from a rescue effort to a recovery effort, which means they believe the man will likely not be found alive. Despite the change in search, they are aware he could still be alive.

“We still have hope but with all the evidence we have so far, and the information from family we are all in mode of recovery at this time,” Snyder said.

KCRG asked Snyder if alcohol might have played a role in his disappearance. He wasn’t sure but said it was something they were looking in to. Smaller crews will continue to watch the water and the camping area.