I found a body

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Dec 30th, 2023

I found a body #15191412 09/15/24 03:37 PM

Joined: May 2022

Posts: 199

Bites and Strikes Offline OP

Outdoorsman

Joined: May 2022

Posts: 199

I know this post may be too much for some people, but I need an outlet to get it of my chest and mind. I apologize if this offends anyone, but I figured this group would be the most understanding of the experience.

Yesterday was a shocking day, I hit a city bayou and right when I got there I noticed something floating on the opposite side of the bank, it looked kind of like a pillow or trash bag, with some styrofoam cups behind it. Or at least that’s what I was hoping. As it floated closer reality started to sink in. I wanted to be 100% sure that it was what I feared, a dead body. I film for YouTube so I had a camera drone with me. I sent the drone up and without a doubt it was what I feared. I call 911 and the first responder arrived within minutes. From the far bank it was still difficult to verify, so the police asked if I could send the drone back out for their confirmation before calling the search and rescue crews for a body recovery. It was VERY graphic footage to look at, but I had to, to control the drone. I won’t go in to details, but the body was already in a state of decomposing. But it was difficult to look at to say the least.

I hope that they are able to identify the person and give the family some closure, and I’m glad that some young kid or family passing by didn’t have to discover it.

A rough day on the water for sure, not one that I will forget anytime soon.

Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15191455 09/15/24 05:16 PM

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 27,389

T Bird Offline

TFF Guru

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 27,389

Man, that’s a terrible situation to be in. His people will be glad you discovered him/her and coordinated the recovery.

Last edited by T Bird; 09/15/24 05:16 PM.

Okie by birth, Texan by choice.
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Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15191460 09/15/24 05:34 PM

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 21,364

Douglas J Online Content

TFF Guru

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 21,364

I was a member of the rescue squad on a busy local DFW lake for 8 years or so towards the end of my career as a first responder. We were exposed a lot to things that your mind will never forget as well as my complete 30 year career in very busy fire stations.

If you need someone to “vent to” reach out, I have been there and done that many times

The best line I have ever heard is. “I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen” a quote by Detroit Fire Department Engineer Dave Parnell. That is the so the truth.

Again if you need anything feel free to contact me here by PM.

#MFGA

Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15191795 09/15/24 10:20 PM

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 27,936

Uncle Zeek Offline

aka “Mom”

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 27,936

This forum is here in part to help fishermen with difficult situations. You done good on this, even though it surely was gut wrenching for you.

Feel free to get in touch with me if you need to vent about this.

“Decency is not news; it is buried in the obituaries –but it is a force stronger than crime” ~ Robert A. Heinlein
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Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15191810 09/15/24 10:38 PM

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 6,986

ChanceHuiet Offline

TFF Celebrity

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 6,986

I understand what your feeling. Dozen years or so ago, maybe little less maybe little more, buddy and I found 3 bodies on Sabine Lake after an aluminum boat with 5 people on it went out in entirely to rough of water. They only made it a few hundred yards before swamping.

I can backlash toilet paper.

Re: I found a body [Re: me and the boys] #15191841 09/15/24 11:08 PM

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 14,596

Fishspanker Online Content

TFF Guru

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 14,596

Had a Fire Chief once tell me “ you didn’t put them in there, just have to get them out”

Great advice. You have to look at it as you brought closure to whoever you found as well as the family. Sad to see it end that way for anyone.

The Sheep who only fears the Wolf is eaten by the Shepherd.

Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15191876 09/15/24 11:35 PM

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 4,084

Osbornfishing Online Content

TFF Team Angler

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 4,084

Tough situation. It is good you were able to help. Life is precious and we all have limited time. We don’t know the situation behind this death, but there are many recreational deaths that occur every year. Always keep safety on mind.

Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15192026 09/16/24 03:36 AM

Joined: May 2022

Posts: 199

Bites and Strikes Offline OP

Outdoorsman

Joined: May 2022

Posts: 199

Thanks everyone, it’s been a real mind trip. It’s not something I wanted to open up to my family about and I knew this group would understand. I have a new respect for all the first responders and rescue crews. I can’t imagine what they see on a daily basis. These comments mean more than most would think. Thank you all so much.

Trying to move forward, but the images in my mind are haunting

Re: I found a body [Re: Bites and Strikes] #15192328 09/16/24 04:24 PM

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 9,179

Oldrabbit Online Content

TFF Celebrity

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 9,179

Sorry you had to see this, but somewhere there is a family that is very thankful for what you did. Like others have said, reach out to friends if this becomes a bigger issue for you. At times like this, I would think most everyone on here is willing to talk, me included.
I have been in on several drowning searches and recoveries when I was younger and it never got easier. Some are worse than others, especially when there is family watching what the search and recovery are doing. Luckily I have never had the experience that you did. Thanks again for bringing closure for their family.