Update: Body of Drowning Victim Recovered in Siloam Springs

SILOAM SPRINGS, AR – The body of a drowning victim has been recovered from the Illinois River.

He’s identified as Randy Barton, 55, of Siloam Springs.

He had disappeared on Tuesday afternoon while swimming.

Officials say Barton was found in 15 feet of water about eight-tenths of a mile from the Illinois River bridge, where he had last been seen.

“They’re devastated–as you would expect any family. They know it is a tragic loss,” says Sgt. Mike Lira of Barton’s family members who had remained at the scene during the search. “Water takes lives. Whether it’s stationary, whether it’s cold, whether it’s warm. I think it comes down to not having a flotation device in this case.”

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office says a toxicology screening has been ordered in the investigation because it’s believed that Barton may have been drinking.

SILOAM SPRINGS, AR — A search is underway for a possible drowning victim.

The Siloam Springs Fire Department, along with other area law enforcement, are helping look for an individual near on the Illinois River along Highway 59.

They were reportedly called to the scene around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the City of Siloam Springs, swift water rescue crews were on standby at last report.