St. Petersburg police pulled a body from the water near the Grandview boat ramp today, bringing a grim end to a missing-person search that began the night before. Marine units and officers responded to the scene after a report filed Monday night, then recovered the remains, which are now with the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner's Office for identification and cause-of-death review.
Scene and response
According to St. Petersburg Police, officers were called Tuesday to reports of a person in the water at the Grandview boat ramp on 6th Street South between 37th and 38th avenues. Marine units recovered the body at the scene, 10 Tampa Bay reported.
Investigators believe the remains are those of a 66-year-old man who had been reported missing around 9 p.m. Monday, according to the outlet. Police have not released his name, saying next-of-kin still need to be notified.
Medical examiner and next steps
The Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner's Office, which handles deaths in Pinellas and Pasco counties, has taken custody of the body and will conduct examinations to determine the cause and manner of death, per public information from the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner's Office. Autopsy findings and official identification can take several days, and investigators will rely on those results to decide on any further action.
Police investigation
Detectives are treating the case as a possible suicide and are continuing to collect evidence from the scene. Officials have not released additional details while they work to notify family members.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department non-emergency line at (727) 893-7780 or submit a tip through the department's website at the St. Petersburg Police Department.
If you or someone is in crisis
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or is in emotional distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day by phone or text at 988. The service connects callers with trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance and local resources, according to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The investigation remains active, and police are asking anyone who noticed unusual activity near the Grandview boat ramp on Monday night or who has relevant video footage to come forward. Officials say more information will be released after the medical examiner's review and family notifications are complete.
