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Body of missing elderly Deep East Texas man found in river

Texas Game Warden Anthony King confirmed that the body of Jerry Lynn Bailey, 74, was found around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday after he had been reported missing Tuesday.

TRINITY COUNTY, Texas — The search for a missing elderly Deep East Texas man has ended after officials found his body Wednesday morning near the area where he was last seen fishing the previous day. 

Texas Game Warden Anthony King confirmed that the body of Jerry Lynn Bailey, 74,  was found around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday after he had been reported missing Tuesday afternoon. He was located near the area he was fishing. 

He had been last seen around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, on his boat near the private dock in Hawg Heaven. Sheriff Wood Wallace said Bailey was going to check fishing lines between Brown Creek, the power lines and 190 bridge near Onalaska. 

King said officials were able to identify Bailey using identification information that he had on his person. An autopsy has been ordered to determine of the death. Bailey had known cardiac issues, according to the sheriff's office. 

Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said Bailey's boat was not located and authorities believe the boat capsized in the high winds. Wallace said Bailey was found near his fishing spot, wearing a life jacket. 

His immediate family has been notified.  

"We ask that Jerry’s family and friends be in your prayers today as they deal with the loss of their loved one," Wallace said in the update. "We want to thank all those that helped search last night and this morning."

The Trinity County Sheriff's Office, multiple local fire departments, game wardens and the Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter search team assisted in the search. 

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