Autopsy: Columbia man died of drowning at Stephens Lake
The Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed a Columbia man reported missing over the Independence Day weekend drowned at Stephens Lake Park.
Police say the body of T. Gale Thompson, 82, was found shortly after 8 p.m. on July 3. Earlier that day, authorities had put out a SILVER advisory saying he hadn’t been heard from since Saturday night.
According to police, Thompson had dementia. He was reportedly supposed to ride a bus to the airport Saturday evening. Instead, he called the bus company to cancel the ride as well as his flight. His cellphone and car were found at his home.
The Highway Patrol said Thompson had posted on his Facebook page that he was suicidal. Officials have not said whether they think his death was a suicide.
