Missing boater's body found in Bayou Sara

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - Satsuma police have identified a Mount Vernon man who fell off a friend’s boat and drowned near Steele creek boat park & lodge.
Search crews pulled the body of Neal Sullivan from the water late last night.

They were the last words Neal Sullivan said to his brother, Johnny.

“See you later,” said Johnny Sullivan.

That was how Neal Sullivan said goodbye to his brother, Saturday afternoon.
Neither man knew it was the last words one would hear from the other.
Johnny got a call on Sunday evening that Neal was in an accident.

“We was hoping for the best, but every minute that passed fading away the thinking of a rescue,” said Johnny Sullivan.

Satsuma police found Neal Sullivan’s body in the river about one-mile away from the Steele creek boat launch.

“It was just a real bad shock to me,” said Johnny Sullivan.

Neal has three kids, two sons and a daughter. His ex-wife's birthday was Sunday.

“Well he was a good father – better than I was, I’ll give him that,” said Sullivan, “I just can't believe it, but he loved his children.”

Neal grew up and lived in Mount Vernon.
The brothers are 16 years apart in age; Johnny’s been there for him even before Neal’s birth.

“Well I actually I rushed her to the hospital with him,” said Sullivan.

Johnny was outside today doing what he could to keep his mind off this tragedy.

“The more I sat in here, the more I think about it, the more upset I get,” said Sullivan.

Johnny said growing up Neal was afraid of the water, and never a strong swimmer.

“I guess it's all a real shock to all of us, really. I mean it's not even sunk it to me,” said Sullivan.

Alabama Marine Police say today the case remains an accidental drowning.

The family has not finalized funeral arrangements yet.