Death investigation underway after Cleveland man's body found in Trinity River, deputies say

CLEVELAND, Texas (KTRK) -- A death investigation is underway after a man's body was found in the Trinity River on Monday, according to the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said 57-year-old Gary Don Ward's body was found floating in the river near Romayor.

The sheriff's office said the communications division received a call about a body in the water near CR 2150, just north of FM 787, at about 9 a.m.

The man whom deputies say discovered Ward's body met with investigators and led them to his body.

Liberty County deputies said they had to use a boat from the sheriff's office to get to his body due to the difficult terrain.

Authorities noted that the Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department also responded and assisted with the recovery using their own boat.

The sheriff's office said preliminary observations suggest he had been in the water for several days.

"Currently, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ward's presence in the river and the cause of death remain unknown," Captain David Meyers said. "The investigation is ongoing and will be guided by the findings of the autopsy."

Anyone with information regarding Ward's death, particularly those who may have seen him in recent days or are familiar with his activities before the incident, is urged to contact the Liberty County Sheriff's Office at 936-336-4500 and ask to speak with the Criminal Investigation Division.

The sheriff's office told ABC13 they hope the autopsy sheds light on exactly how long he was in the water and his cause of death. Law enforcement said his autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.