Bodies found in Brazos River during search for missing father and son

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Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Bodies found in search for missing father and son in Brazos River
The search was going on in the Brazos River just south of Freeport, which is where Phillip and Brandon Orr were last seen on Tuesday.

FREEPORT, TX (KTRK) -- Lynette Hollis says in Freeport, fishing on the Brazos River is a way of life.

"This is our enjoyment," says Hollis.

The driver of the boat leaves the dock planning to return home with a catch. But on Tuesday, a father and son left the dock around 7 a.m. for the last time. About two hours later the boat was found circling, keys in the ignition, and two cell phones on board. At around 10am, the Coast Guard tells us the body of 28-year-old Brandon Orr, of Austin, was recovered. An hour later, 52-year-old Phillip Orr's body was found. Both were found within a mile of where the boat was discovered.

"With all the stuff that's in the water right now, they probably hit a lot and was ejected. There's no reason for a boat to be running round and round in circles," says Hollis.

It will all be part of the investigation by the Coast Guard. What happened to the men and how were they separated from the boat?

"This is where I get my peace of mind so I'm sure they did too," says Hollis.

The family says Brandon Orr has a 10-year-old daughter. She'll now grow up without a father. It's something Hollis, sadly, knows all about.

"My father drown in a fishing accident 31 years ago, I know how they feel," says Hollis.

An investigation is underway to determine what happened.