Body found in the Hocking River near Nelsonville

ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — The Athens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man found on a sand bar in the Hocking River near Nelsonville.

According to Sheriff Rodney Smith, Hocking County 9-1-1 received a call regarding a body that had been located in the river.

Reports say kayakers going down the Hocking River located the deceased individual.

Sheriff Smith said, “Deputies arrived in the area off State Route 278 at the bottom of Lick Run Hill, just outside Nelsonville, and located a deceased male on a sand bar in the river.”

Authorities say the body will be transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for a forensic autopsy and identification.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time,” Sheriff Smith said.

The case remains under investigation.