Body found off Shepard Lake Road in Mt. Vernon

Mt. VERNON, Ala. (WALA) - It was a grisly discovery for a man out enjoying a morning of fishing near the Mobile River Friday morning. 

Mount Vernon police responded to the end of Sheppard Lake Road shortly after 11 a.m. when a local fisherman discovered the body in Sheppard Lake.  Mount Vernon Public Safety Director Jerry Taylor said the body was that of a man approximately 60 years old.

Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the recovery and initial investigation.  Officials aren’t releasing the name of the deceased until all of the next of kin have been notified, but did said the man lived in Mobile County. 

Investigators said it’s too early to tell if foul play is involved in this death and an autopsy is being performed.

“At this point, it would be classified as an investigation into a death,” Taylor said.  “It did not appear to be a homicide at this point, but it’s still early and there’s a lot of factors that’s still under investigation.”

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Flotilla, Alabama Marine Police and Mount Vernon Fire – Rescue all assisted in the recovery effort.