Crews find body in Missouri River south of Columbia

Crews in Boone County have found the body of an adult male in the Missouri River near Hartsburg south of Columbia. This follows more than two hours of searching along the river Monday morning.

The search operation started at Smith Hatchery Road, which is near Cooper’s Landing. Neighbors who live in the area tell ABC 17 News they were outside early Monday when they saw something in the water. They described seeing arms and legs, and that prompted a call to 911.

Just after 8 a.m. the Boone County and Southern Boone County fire protection districts removed their boats from the river. The Highway Patrol’s water division now has possession of the body and recovery efforts.

Firefighters and troopers started searching the river around 4:20 a.m.

At this time there are no details about the person’s identity or how the person ended up in the river. The Boone County Medical Examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy Tuesday.

Stay with ABC 17 News for the latest on this breaking story.