By Monica Land
WEST POINT – Authorities in Clay County said the body of a black man was found in a local creek Wednesday, and they’re asking for the public’s help in identifying him.
The body was discovered about 11:30 a.m., July 18, in Catalpa Creek in Tibee.
County officials said the man may have been in the creek between three to five days which made it difficult to determine if the body sustained any physical trauma.
The body has been sent for an autopsy, but authorities are hoping someone will recognize the man’s description and come forward.
Authorities said he is approximately 6 feet tall, weighs about 240 pounds and is between his mid-20s to mid-40s in age.
The man has three tattoos with the most significant being a drawing of the state of Mississippi on his back with the Interstate 55 symbol inside.
A second tattoo, the name “Memi” is on the man’s right calf.
A third tattoo is on the man’s right shoulder. It’s a photograph with the name “Eric Simms” on it and “RIP.”
Anyone knowing the identity of the man can contact the Clay County Sheriff's Department at (662) 494-5152.
