The body pulled from the Chattahoochee River is that of missing CDC researcher Dr. Timothy Cunningham, who vanished over seven weeks ago, Atlanta police announced Thursday.
According to local news station 11 Alive News, Cunningham’s body was “found in the river near Donald L. Hollowell, about 400 yards upstream from the bridge, and on the Atlanta side of the river. Officials said it was just east of the Atlanta Public Safety Annex.”
The body which was found by Fishermen out on the river was decomposing but “rescuers could not tell how long it had been in the river,” 11 Alive reports. Atlanta police Officer Stephanie Brown noted that “the preliminary investigation is not showing signs of foul play.”
Cunningham, 35, was last seen on Feb. 12, after leaving the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where he worked as an epidemiologist. Colleagues said he left after feeling unwell.
Investigators and Cunningham’s family located his personal belongings, including his keys, wallet, cell phone and even his dog, Mr. Bojangles all at his home in Northwest Atlanta. It was initially reported that Cunningham may have been upset about not getting promoted, but CDC officials retracted this claim, saying the doctor actually received an early promotion.
Authorities continue to investigate.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
