UPDATE, 3 p.m., July 12, 2025: Authorities have recovered the body of the man who went into the White River on July 4, according to Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens.
Stephens told White River Now that the body was discovered Saturday just downstream from where the man fell into the river. He said the Independence County Dive Team, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission assisted in the recovery.
UPDATE, July 7, 2025, 12 p.m.: Officials told White River Now this morning (Monday) that the search is ongoing.
Authorities are searching for a man who went missing Friday night on the White River near York Island in the Melrose community, located between Mountain View and Batesville.
Initial reports said the man was last seen around 10 p.m. with a group of people when he entered the river to apparently shoot fireworks.
Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery told White River Now Saturday morning that emergency responders have been on the scene, with the search concentrated between the York Island area and Lock 2 on the White River.
White River Now will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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