Body of man who fell into river while working found 18 days later

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - Georgia authorities say the body of a worker has been found after he went missing nearly three weeks ago.

According to the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, Jose Garcia Hernandez fell into the Ogeechee River from an Interstate 95 bridge on April 7 while helping paint the overpass.

A search and rescue was initiated to find Hernandez, but deputies said there was no sign of him until Thursday.

Around 4 p.m., the sheriff’s office said it received a call from the Ford Field & River Club reporting a strong odor coming from its dock.

Upon arrival, deputies and an assisting investigator located a body beneath a private dock at the club that matched the description of Hernandez.

Authorities said the man’s family has also been notified.

Multiple agencies had searched the area of the Ogeechee River near the bridge for Hernandez.

Authorities said his body will be taken to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab before being released to the family.