Tragic End To The Search For Missing Fisherman Larry James

There has been a tragic end to a story that has had the attention of West Alabama this week. The body of missing fisherman Larry James has been found.

The boat being used by the 47-year-old from Helena had been found empty on Monday igniting a massive search along the Black Warrior River near the Lock 8 boat ramp.

James Wallet and cellphone were discovered in the abandoned boat, which was traveling in circles when first seen, leading searchers to fear the worst.

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Marine and aviation units with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Tuscaloosa Fire/Rescue Water Rescue Unit, along with other agencies and departments spent the week searching from near Akron, a small town southwest of Moundville in Hale County, and into Greene County.

This afternoon Hale County Sheriff Michael Hamilton and Hale County EMA Director Russell Weeden confirmed searchers had discovered James' body about 11:00am today not far from where his fishing boat was initially reported by a passing towboat and barge crew.

Weeden said searchers were using sonar to search beneath the water's surface in an area where the river is 40 feet deep. They identified something yesterday just as darkness was falling. Today their worst fears were realized.

"We had a number of state and local agencies and departments working along with volunteers in the search effort," Weeden remarked. "It was truly a community effort to give closure to the victim's family." Weeden said a search team from Daphne in Baldwin County even made the long trip up to assist.

James was a well-known paving contractor. The Black Contractors Association- Alabama Chapter issued a statement this afternoon, "Larry was more than a contractor, he was a good brother, a humble leader, and a cornerstone in our industry," wrote Chapter President Jarrod Sims.

An investigation is underway in aa attempt to discoverer what happened and an autopsy will be performed to discern the cause of death.