The Memphis Police Department has recovered the body of 47-year-old Gary Riley who was reported missing after his boat capsized in the Mississippi River last Friday. Officials resumed their search early Saturday morning and made the grim discovery at approximately 10:10 a.m., as confirmed by Action News 5. Assistant Chief Don Crowe of the Memphis Police Department had indicated the day prior that they believed the body to be that of the missing boater after it was taken to the medical examiner’s office.
Crowe detailed the initial rescue efforts, "An on-duty north main station lieutenant went through the harbor and found a retired Memphis police officer with a boat. They got in that boat and they were able to rescue one person and save his life," in a statement obtained by WREG. The rescued man is reportedly in stable condition. The search crews were paused Friday evening and continued the following day alongside Riley's family members who were present, faced with the heartbreaking outcome.
According to the Memphis Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. when the vessel flipped in the harbor area where boats are commonly docked. A bystander heard cries for help and promptly notified the authorities, which led to the quick response and rescue of one individual while Riley remained missing. This information was corroborated by FOX13 Memphis, who also interviewed Riley’s oldest daughter, Gina Riley Fletcher. "Right now, I feel like I'm in one bad dream and eventually I am going to wake up," Fletcher told FOX13. The family was waiting for divers to help with the recovery and locate the boat.
Riley’s fiancée, Katie Porter, confirmed to Action News 5 that the boat belonged to him and expressed concern about how to explain the situation to their children. Riley, who has four children ranging in age from three to 25, was remembered by those close to him as the search ended in tragedy. As the investigation continues, Memphis Police Department seeks to understand the precise cause of the capsizing, as highlighted by Crowe during the recovery efforts.
