MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — A body found in Marshall County last week has been identified as 34-year-old Christopher Cowdery of Reedsville, Ohio, according to Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch.
The unidentified male was discovered upriver on Sept. 13. After a preliminary examination by Marshall County officials, the body was sent to the West Virginia Chief Medical Examiners Office in Charleston. Comparison with DNA, fingerprints, and dental records provided by Meigs County Deputies confirmed the identity as Cowdery on Monday.
The autopsy reported the cause of death as drowning, and no signs of injuries or foul play were found.
Cowdery’s immediate family was informed before a press release, Fitch said.
Sheriff Fitch expressed gratitude to those who provided leads and to agencies including the United States Marshal Service for assistance in the search for Cowdery. “This has been a horrific event that has highly affected our community and we are sending thoughts and prayers to all involved,” Fitch said.