SHARPTOWN, Md.– Authorities have located the body of a man reported to have drowned Sunday in the Nanticoke River in Sharptown.
Maryland State Police said the victim, John Davis, 53, of Seaford, Del., was located around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday by a Maryland Natural Resources Police helicopter that was patrolling the area of Cherry Beach Park in Sharptown.
Davis' body was found in the Nanticoke River about a quarter mile from where he was last seen.
Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday to Cherry Beach Park for a report of a possible drowning. Upon their arrival, members of the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the Sharptown Volunteer Fire Department were conducting dive operations and searches via boat in an attempt to locate Davis.
Police said that according to a preliminary investigation, Davis was at the park for a family gathering when he decided to jump from a boat dock into the Nanticoke River to go swimming. Nearby boaters saw Davis struggling to keep his head above water. However, by the time they reached Davis, he had sunk below the surface.
The search efforts continued until sunset on Sunday, resumed Monday and continued until Davis’ body was discovered. Delaware State Police divers also assisted Maryland State Police divers with the search efforts.
Police said the case remains under investigation.
