Published: September 04, 2009 07:18 pm         

Authorities identify body found in Wabash River

Clinton — The name of the person who jumped from a bridge over the Wabash River on Saturday has been released by Clinton Police.

Dennis W. Payne, 50, has been identified as the person who witnesses say jumped from the bridge on Indiana 163. An autopsy report showed Payne died from drowning.

Clinton Police Officer Curtis Stoffel reported the autopsy contains no indication of foul play in the death. And, Payne matches the description of the person who was seen jumping from the bridge.

Following the 10 p.m. incident, various rescue agencies conducted a search of the river and surrounding area for the man for about three hours. Additional searches followed in subsequent days.

Indiana Conservation Officers recovered Payne’s body around noon Tuesday on the Wabash River bank several miles south of Clinton. His identity was withheld by authorities pending notification of his relatives.